Effect of early handling on growth, mortality and feed efficiency in White Leghorns

The influence of early and regular handling on weight gain, mortality and feed efficiency was examined in four strains of White Leghorn chicks. Pens of approximately 60 chicks were assigned at random to one of three treatment groups: non-handled (NH), handled every day (HED), and handled every 3 days (HE3D). The experiment began 4 days post-hatch and continued for 5 weeks. The mean weight and pattern of weight gain over four weighing periods did not differ significantly among the three treatment groups. However, the variation around the mean was significantly different at the second weighing period. Handling appeared not to affect overall mortality. However, more pens in the HE3D group had individuals die from cannibalism in the first 5 weeks than from either omphalitis or dehydration. Feed efficiency did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. Contrary to earlier studies, our results showed relatively minor, short-term effects of handling.