Method for improving the feed efficiency in poultry husbandry wherein poultry is provided with a compound directly upon hatching, the compound being selected from a lactylate in accordance with formula 1, or a Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe(II), Zn, NH4, or Cu(II) salt thereof, R2-COO—[—CH(CH3)-COO]n-R1  Formula 1 a glycolylate of formula 2, or a Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe(II), Zn, NH4, or Cu(II) salt thereof. R2-COO—[—CH2-COO]n-R1  Formula 2: a lactate ester of formula 3, HO—CH(CH3)-COO—R2  Formula 3: and/or a glycolic acid ester of formula 4, HO—CH2-COO—R2  Formula 4: In the above formulas R1 is selected from H, n stands for an integer with value of 1-10, and R2 stands for C1-C35 alkyl or alkenyl chain, which may be branched or unbranched. The effective compound provided to poultry is dosed level in a first part of their life-span higher than the dose level in other part of their life span.