Nebulized phenylboronic acid significantly improves body weight in newly hatched male chicks of light laying hen lines

Abstract

The aim of the study was to present a unique method to prevent the
culling of male chicks of light laying hens by making them available
for commercial use. A method for administering phenylboronic acid
to chicks by nebulization is described. A group of 30 male chicks was
exposed to FBA aerosol in a SONOVAC® device for 120 seconds
and compared with two control groups of 30 chicks each (male and
female) nebulized with saline solution. All chicks were fed identical
diets: starter (20.37% protein) until 21 days of age, followed by
finisher (17.72% protein) until 77 days of age. Housed on the floor,
the chicks remained in optimal health. At 77 days of age, the mean
body weight of the PBA group was 1681.07 g, compared to 1629.45 g
in the control groups, with feed conversion ratios of 2.24 and 2.26 kg/
kg, respectively. From day 42 onwards, the PBA group consistently
achieved higher body weights than the control group, and exhibited
lower feed conversion ratios.
These preliminary studies indicate significant potential for the economic
utilization of male chicks of light laying hen lines. It is necessary to
determine the optimal fattening duration, feed composition during the
growing period, and assess the organoleptic and chemical properties of
edible tissues to provide relevant practical indicators. The described
procedure could significantly contribute to animal welfare, to which
the member states of the European Union are committed. At the same
time, it is a less expensive and more accessible method compared to
those previously described in this context.