On-farm hatching: an innovative early-feeding strategy that improves welfare and reduces antimicrobial use in a sustainable way
- Author(s):
Hilde Van Meirhaeghe1,2, Giuditta Tilli1, Maarten De Gussem1,2
1 Vetworks bvba, Knokstraat 38, Poeke B-9880, Belgium, 2 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium - Published in: Zootecnica Poultry Magazine
- Year of publication: 2026
On-farm hatching is an innovative hatching technique that provides early feeding post hatch to newborn chicks. Several experimental studies and field trials show that flocks hatched on-farm have better intestinal health and health in general, resulting in fewer antibiotic treatments and better welfare.