Abstract
A feeding experiment was performed in two generations of three groups of chickens with different immune responsiveness. All groups were fed identically composed feeds from either organic or conventional production. In the young animals of the second generation an immune challenge was imposed. The chickens fed conventional feed showed overall a higher weight gain, whereas feed intake of the groups was similar. The animals on organic feed showed an enhanced immune reactivity, a stronger reaction to the immune challenge, as well as an enhanced ’catch-up-growth’ after the challenge.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
| Event | International Conference on Nutrition & Growth - Duration: 1 Mar 2012 → 1 Mar 2012 |
Conference
| Conference | International Conference on Nutrition & Growth |
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| Period | 1/03/12 → 1/03/12 |
Keywords
- organic farming
- animal health
- poultry farming
- poultry feeding
- fowls
- chicks