Effect of in ovo betaine supplementation during normal and early embryonic thermal conditioning on the hatchability as well as post-hatch performance in broiler chickens

Abstract

Two separate experiments carried out to study effect of in ovo betaine supplementation during normal as well as elevated incubation condition on post-hatch broiler performance. In experiment 1, fertile eggs (400 nos) incubated under 4 different groups and standard hatchery parameters were noted. In ovo administration of betaine was carried out on 18th day at the rate of 20 mg (T1 ), 40 mg (T2), 60 mg (T3) and 0 mg (T4) dissolved in 0.1 ml of PBS/egg. In experiment around 400 eggs were injected betaine at (T1), 50 (T2), PBS at 0.1 ml (T3) and µn-injected control (0 mg) (T4). In ovo injection was carried out at 10th day of incubation as per standard protocol. After 48 h following betaine injection (12th day), the setter temperature had increased to 103±0.5°F from for 99±1°F in all the groups for a period 5 days (12 to 17 days of incubation). Chicks were hatched out and transferred to experimental house by maintained them in respective groups and distributed evenly into six replicates in each group. The in ovo betaine supplementation did not affect the hatchability percentage, hatch weight but improved the starter phase production performance. However, in ovo betaine administration followed by thermal conditioning adversely affected the hatchability percentage. The post hatch performance, i.e. production, immunity and serum biochemical profile were comparable among all the treatment groups. In conclusion, the overall production of broiler chicken during early phase of life can be positively improved by in ovo betaine supplementation with normal incubation temperature.