Available in other languages:
Content available at:
In this talk with Tarsicio Villalobos, Director of Veterinary and Technical Services at Zoetis, we discuss key strategies for hatcheries to optimize chick health and robustness without the need to invest in additional equipment. The health of day-old chicks is a determining factor in productive efficiency and poultry welfare, so it is essential to adopt practices that maximize their potential from the beginning.
The impact of sanitation practices on chick health
Sanitation in the hatchery is a fundamental pillar in the quality of the chicks that will be transferred to the farms. A clean and controlled environment not only reduces the microbial load, but also improves the efficiency in the administration of vaccines. The presence of pathogens on surfaces, equipment or in the air can compromise the immune response and the uniformity of the batches.
Villalobos highlights that cleaning and disinfecting trays, vaccine administration systems and chick handling equipment are essential to avoid cross-contamination and ensure that each bird receives proper immunization. A rigorous biosecurity protocol decreases the risk of disease and improves the viability of chicks during their first days of life.
Environmental conditions in the incubator and their effect on immune response
Environmental conditions within the incubator significantly influence the development and health of chicks. Factors such as temperature, humidity and ventilation affect yolk sac absorption, hydration and thermal comfort of newly hatched chicks.
Subscribe now to the poultry technical magazine
AUTHORS

Newcastle Disease: One Hundred Years On, Why Transmission Control Matters More Than Ever
Mustafa Seckin Sandikli
Egg Size Versatility in Nick Chick – Part I
H&N Technical Department
Interview with Khaled Abdel Nasser Awwad
Khaled Abdel Nasser Awwad
When the Supply Chain Breaks: Poultry Prices and the Economics of Maritime Disruption in the Middle East
Dima Chatila
Reovirus Infections in the Broiler Industry
Edgar O. Oviedo Rondón
Egg Condensation in Hatcheries: A Hidden Risk for Embryo Development, Hatchability and Chick Quality
Rasel Ahmed
From Chat to Farm Insight: Bridging the Social Data Gap in Indonesian Broiler Farming
Setiawan Guntarto
Labor Shortage in the Poultry Industry: Potential Solutions
Edgar O. Oviedo Rondón
A Comparison of Soybean Meal from Different Origins in Terms of Nutrient Composition, Amino Acid Profile, and Protein Quality
Güner GÖVENÇ
When Algorithms Start to Control Feed Composition
Henri E. Prasetyo DVM. M.Vsc