At CEALVET, we are proud to announce that we have been selected as a finalist in the BroilerNet Best Animal Welfare Practices category, thanks to our innovative method of applying a gel nutritional complex, our Licuicel® Complex, to chicks in the incubator. This recognition underscores our commitment to animal health, innovation, and the continuous improvement of poultry production systems.
WHAT IS THIS GOOD PRACTICE?
The practice involves applying a nutritional complex in the form of a hydrated gel to the chicks while they are still in the incubator, immediately after the usual handling procedures.
Licuicel® Complex includes vitamins, minerals, highly digestible amino acids, and prebiotics; it is sprayed on chicks so that the gel remains on their feathers without wetting them or causing discomfort, allowing the chicks to ingest it by pecking at it.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
During the hatching process, chicks do not all hatch at the same time: there is often a 24-36 hour window between the first and last to hatch, which creates significant disparities in access to food and water.
During those first few hours, chicks can experience a state of starvation, particularly if they are subjected to transport or incubator handling. This negatively affects their vitality, future performance, and overall health.
HOW DOES IT IMPROVE WELL-BEING?
- It helps chicks gain immediate access to essential nutrients as quickly as possible, strengthening their immune and digestive systems.
- Improves flock uniformity: chicks arrive at the farm in better condition, which promotes a more uniform start to production.
- Stress reduction is observed: Studies have shown a significant decrease in the frequency and time of vocalization repetition, indicating lower stress levels.
Being a finalist in this BroilerNet Good Practice confirms that the use of Licuicel® Complex in the incubator is an innovation with real potential to transform poultry farming, combining animal welfare, health, and productivity.
At CEALVET, we are committed to continuing to advance, optimizing this solution, testing it under different conditions, and ensuring that chicks begin their lives in the best possible conditions.
