Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Poultry Science (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Poultry Science

Advisor/Mentor

Williams, Zac

Committee Member

Parson, Benjamin

Second Committee Member

Robinson, Samantha

Third Committee Member

Weimer, Shawna

Keywords

Broiler Chick; Brooding; Feeder Type; Location; Preference

Abstract

Early chick nutrition is critical for establishing target growth performance characteristics in broiler chickens. This study evaluated factors within commercial broiler houses that potentially influence feed consumption during the first 7 days. Three trials were conducted in a 12.2 x 122 m commercial broiler house to assess the effects of house sectioning, spatial barriers, and feedline location. In Trial 1, a one-way experimental design was used in which the house was divided into four equal sections using migration fencing every 30.5 m. House sections served as a fixed factor. Feed was provided using chick trays placed beneath the feed line to reflect commercial practices and eliminate feed-type effects. A total of 18 trays per section were randomly selected for feed intake measurements. No difference among sections were observed on Days 1, 2, 3, or 5 (P > 0.05). However, a section effect occurred on Day 4 (P < 0.05). Section three was lowest. Trial 2 was a 3 x 4 factorial design to evaluate the effect of spatial barriers and feedline location on feed intake. Treatments included wall (W), migratory fence (MF), and no fence (NF), with feedline position (north or south) as a fixed factor. A total of 293 chick trays were utilized with feed added daily to each tray and final feed weight recorded at 7 days of age. Differences were observed among treatments with W being highest feed consumption (W: 3.67 kg; MF: 2.68 kg; NF: 2.26 kg; P < 0.05), as well as feedline locations, with greater intake along the north feedline (P < 0.05). Trial 3 utilized a randomized block design, with the house divided into four sections and six blocks per section. Blocks were assigned the same spatial treatments and feedline locations as Trial 2, with each block containing three chick trays and three turbo chick feeders. Significant main effects were observed for treatment (P < 0.05) with feed intake highest for wall treatment (14.0 kg), followed by migration fence (9.07 kg), and lowest for no fence (6.48 kg; P < 0.05). These results indicate spatial barriers and house layout influence early feed intake.

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