In ovo injection of vitamin E on post-hatch immunological parameters and broiler chicken performance

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the in ovo injection (IOI) of vitamin E (VE) on serum post-hatch immunological parameters and broiler chicken performance. Methods: Fertile eggs (n=400) were distributed into four groups of 100 eggs. On 14th day of incubation, two groups were injected with 0.5 mL of 15 or 30 mg VE dissolved in physiology serum. Rest two groups were used as sham control (injected with 0.5 mL physiology serum) and un-injected control. The hatched chickens from each group were randomly assigned to four replications of 12 chickens and reared under standard condition. Results: Hatchability percentage was apparently increased (P<0.05) by IOI of VE rather controls. Antibodies titer of avian influenza, infectious bronchitis, and the level of IgM were significantly increased (P≤0.043) by IOI of 30 mg/egg VE rather both controls at 21 days of age. Antibodies titer of avian influenza, infectious bronchitis, and newcastle disease were significantly increased (P≤0.033) by IOI of VE (30 mg/egg) rather both controls at 42 days of age. This treatment was significantly increased (P≤0.034) the levels of IgM and IgA relative to sham control at 42 days of age. Higher (P=0.004) level of IgG was obtained by IOI of both levels of VE rather both controls at 42 days of age. Feed intake was increased (P=0.041) by IOI of VE (30 mg/egg) at 1 to 21 days of age. Conclusions: Broiler chicken performance did not affect with IOI of VE, while hatchability and post-hatch immunity status were boost up by IOI of 30 mg/egg VE.

Keywords

• Broiler
• Immunology
• In ovo
• Vitamin E