Delayed Post-Hatch Feeding Influences the Performance, Intestinal Morphology and the Expression Profiles of Gut Associated Genes in Slow Growing Broiler Chickens

The effects of post-hatch (PH) feed deprivation (FD) for 6, 12, 24 and 36 h were assessed on performance, gut development and differential expression of gut associated genes in slow-growing broiler chickens. A significantly higher (P=0.001) yolk sac weight was observed in all the FD chicks. The residual yolk sac of 24h and 36h FD chicks had a higher ether extract but lower protein content than that of control (immediately fed) chicks. The relative weights of the proventriculus, gizzard, intestine, liver and pancreas were lower in 24h and 36h FD chicks. The 36h FD chicks had lower (P<0.05) body weights, lower feed intake and inferior FCR than those of control or 6h FD chicks. Lower serum glucose but higher cholesterol and uric acid were recorded in 36 h FD chicks. Villus height and width in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum decreased (P=0.001) with an increase in the FD period, and significant changes were primarily observed in 36h FD chicks. The relative expression of Cdx decreased with the feed restriction period. Expression of the SGLT and FABP genes did not differ significantly in FD and control chicks, while that of the EAAT gene increased in 24h and 36h FD chicks. Villus height correlated positively with Cdx gene, but negatively with SGLT or EAAT gene expression. It is concluded that post hatch feed deprivation for first 24h did not affect performance, intestinal development and morphology. Correlation of jejunum villi with Cdx and EAAT gene expression indicates their role in the intestine development of broiler chickens.