Chick quality and effects of pre-starter feed application on performance and egg quality in Atak-s layer chicks

The present study consisted of two experiments. The first experiment was conducted according to a 2x2 factorial design in which day-old female Atak-S chicks were classified according to their quality (CQ) and fed with pre-starter (PSF) feed or standard feed (SF) for the first 7 days. A total of 400 chicks were used in 4 treatment groups with 5 subgroups each had 20 chicks. In the first experiment of 22 weeks, the birds were raised on the floor in 3x2=6 m2 pens. After the first 7 days, a standard feeding protocol was applied. In the second experiment, 144 chickens reaching 23 weeks of age were divided into 8 groups as standard (STD) or free (FRE) feeding in addition to the treatments during the chick period. They were left in individual cages for 4 weeks for adaptation, and then their performance and egg quality characteristics were examined for 10 weeks. 120 g of feed was given daily to the STD group and free feed was given to the other group. Water was given ad libitum to all groups. In the first weeks of the first trial, feed consumption was significantly affected by CQ and PSF (P<0.05); in the following weeks, only PSF was effective (P<0.05). Live weight gains were significantly (P<0.05) increased with PSF, and feed conversion ratios were positively affected by PSF only in the first weeks. PSF improved the digestive system significantly (P<0.05) in the first week, and then this effect disappeared. In the second trial, CQ and PSF worsened live weight gains, and total and average feed consumptions; average feed conversion ratios in the STD group were positively affected by CQ and PSF. No effect of FRE was observed (P>0.05). The effect of PSF on egg productivity was found to be significant (P<0.05). CQ is a useful but difficult procedure to apply. Therefore, it can be said that PSF will have a positive effect especially on low-quality chicks. It would be appropriate to determine the applications to be made to chicks according to the market situation. Keywords: Chick Quality, Pre-starter Feed, Layer, Performance, Quality.