Biological Effect of Different Oils and Fatty Acids and Their Applications in Broiler Chicken

The contemporary strains of broiler chickens are sold after 36 days of rearing, following a 21-day incubation period. To meet the rapidly increasing demands for poultry meat and the rising global population, broiler chickens are selected for fast growth. Optimal nutrition during the early pre-hatch and post-hatch periods is crucial for the development of fast-growing, healthy, and viable chicks. During these stages, all necessary nutrients must be provided through maternal nutrition or early dietary manipulations, such as in-ovo supplementation. Nutrients stored in the egg may not be sufficient to support the rapid growth of the chicks, especially with the short incubation and the external challenges encountered by the birds. Lipids play a vital role in the development of broiler chicks; therefore, researchers have extensively investigated various lipid-based compounds, including different oils and fatty acids, through dietary and in-ovo supplementation. Based on these investigations, supplementing oils and fatty acids is of utmost importance as it enhances growth performance, boosts immunity, and increases the antioxidant capacity of broilers. Furthermore, it improves lipid metabolism, increases intestinal villi length, and enhances embryonic development. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the positive effects of fatty acids and oils on various biological systems in broiler chicks with a particular focus on growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, metabolic activity, and gut health, while highlighting their application through dietary supplementation and in-ovo injection methods.