Evaluation of In Ovo Cinnamon, Ginger or Anise Extract Injection on Broiler Hatching Performance

Abstract

Firstly, this study aimed to evaluate the effects on hatchability and relative weights of yolk, metabolic organ (heart, liver, breast muscle, and thigh muscle) and total digestive system (GUT) of in ovo feeding of cinnamon, ginger or anise extract. Secondly, it was investigated to determine the appropriate dose of cinnamon, ginger or anise extract in in ovo feeding. For this purpose, 480 fertilized broiler eggs were randomly distributed into 12 groups with four replicates as a factorial arrangement of three extracts (cinnamon, ginger, anise) x 4 doses (0, 3, 9, 12 mg/egg) to hatching trays. On the 18th day of incubation, 1 ml of 0.9% saline solution containing 0, 3, 9, 12 mg of cinnamon, ginger or anise extract was injected into the eggs with a 19 mm and 27-gauge needle. The cinnamon and ginger groups had higher hatchability, chick quality and proventriculus weight, while the anise group had higher thigh muscle weight. Chick weight was 12 mg/egg, chick quality was 0 and 3 mg/egg, breast muscle weight was 9 mg/egg, and liver, gizzard and GUT weights were higher at 0, 3 and 9 mg/egg in ovo extract doses. In ovo anise injection increased the number of non‐pipped dead embryos. The interaction effect of factors on the hatchability and chick quality were found significant. The results of this study indicate that 9 mg/egg cinnamon, 12 mg/egg ginger, and 3 mg/egg anise extract can be used in in ovo injection without negative effects on the investigated parameters. The role of in ovo cinnamon, ginger or anise extract injection in broiler needs further research.