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In order to evaluate the effect of feeding Supergel on the biological traits of turkey chicks, 200 Bronze turkey chicks (mixed sex) were used. This study was done by completely randomized design with five treatments, five replicates, and eight chicks per replicate for five weeks. The experimental treatments were as follows: early access to feed and water, deprived of feed and water for 48 hours, feeding Supergel formula-1 for 48 hours, feeding Supergel formula-2 for 48 hours, and feeding Supergel formula-3 for 48. The results showed that the chicks fasted for 48 hours had lower body weight gain than other groups (P < 0.05). Chicks fed formula 1 of the functional Supergel had a better feed conversion ratio than control and fasted groups (P < 0.05). Mortality of the fasted group was higher than other groups (P < 0.05). The feed cost per 1 kg gain was lower in turkey chicks fed with Supergel formula-1 than in control and fasted groups (P < 0.001). The production efficiency index was lower in chicks deprived of feed and water (P < 0.001). The gene expression of IGF-1 in the jejunum was the lowest in the fasted group on d 35 (P < 0.05). Early feeding with Supergel decreased the HSP70 gene expression. In general, the results of the present study showed that feeding functional Supergel immediately after the hatch of turkey chicks positively affected the performance, feed cost, jejunum morphology, and decreased HSP70 gene expression in turkey chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day‐old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: 'bone lesions', 'cold stress', 'gastro‐enteric disorders', 'group stress', 'handling stress', 'heat stress', 'isolation stress', 'inability to perform comfort behaviour', 'inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour', 'inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour', 'locomotory disorders', 'prolonged hunger', 'prolonged thirst', 'predation stress', 'restriction of movement', 'resting problems', 'sensory under‐ and overstimulation', 'soft tissue and integument damage' and 'umbilical disorders'. These WCs and their animal‐based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de‐toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast‐growing, slower‐growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, 'total mortality', 'wounds', 'carcass condemnation' and 'footpad dermatitis' are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on‐farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]