Floor eggs: Hatchability, microbiological analysis, and effects of post-hatch use of ceftiofur on performance of broiler chicks.

The present study aimed to determine the effects of egg type (nest clean or floor eggs) on eggshell microbiological, hatching performance, chick quality, yolk sac microbiology, and the interaction between egg type and post-hatch use of ceftiofur on broiler performance at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days. A total of 2500 fertile eggs were obtained from a commercial flock of Cobb Slow® broiler breeders. Half of the eggs were collected directly from the floor, and the other half were collected from the nests.