ABSTRACT
The effects of in ovo injection of L-carnitine on hatchability and juvenile performance of 360 layer-type chicks were investigated. Fertilized eggs were injected in air chamber with L-carnitine (500 and 1000 μmol) dissolved in 0.9% of Saline (NaCl) at d 18 of incubation. Two control groups (non-injected and injected with 0.9% of Saline were also included. Hatched chicks was recorded after every 4 h, beginning at 490 h of incubation and ending at 514 h, for incubation length and hatching spread determination. At the end of incubation, hatched chicks were recorded according to treatment for determination of hatchability. At 3, 7 and 14 d post-hatch, chick body weight (BW) and morbidity were recorded. Also, at d 3 and 7 post-hatch, 14 birds from each of 2 replicate groups within each treatment were used for intestine and yolk sac weight determination. Results indicate that BW, hatchability, or relative intestine weights were not affected by treatment. However, incubation length was longer while hatching spread was shorter in L-carnitine groups compared to control groups. Yolk sac relative weight was decreased by treatment with L-carnitine (P < 0.05). Also, the percentage of chicks showing morbidity sign was lower in L-carnitine treated groups from d 7 onwards. The results of the present study suggest that in ovo injection of L-carnitine at d 18 of incubation delayed hatching time but resulted in narrower hatching spread, faster utilization of yolk sac content and improved morbidity.
PDF References Citation
How to cite this article
K.E. Nouboukpo, K. Tona, B. Kamers, N. Everaert, H. Willemsen, O.M. Onagbesan, M. Gbeassor and E. Decuypere, 2010. Effects of in ovo Administration of L-carnitine on Hatching Events and Juvenile Performance of Layer-type Chick. International Journal of Poultry Science, 9: 980-983.
DOI: 10.3923/ijps.2010.980.983
URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ijps.2010.980.983
DOI: 10.3923/ijps.2010.980.983
URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ijps.2010.980.983
REFERENCES
- Buyse, J., G.P.J. Janssens and E. Decuypere, 2001. The effects of dietary L-carnitine supplementation on the performance, organ weights and circulating hormone and metabolite concentrations of broiler chickens reared under a normal or low temperature schedule. Br. Poult. Sci., 42: 230-241.
CrossRefPubMedDirect Link - Chiodi, P., B. Ciani, S. Kentroti, F. Maccari, A. Vernadakis, L. Angelucci and M.T. Ramacci, 1994. Carnitine and derivatives in the central nervous system of chick embryo. Int. J. Biochem., 26: 711-720.
CrossRefPubMedDirect Link - Noble, R.C. and M. Cocchi, 1990. Lipid metabolism and the neonatal chicken. Progr. Lipid Res., 29: 107-140.
CrossRefPubMedDirect Link - Peebles, E.D., M.T. Kidd, C.D. McDaniel, J.P. Tanksley, H.M. Parker, A. Corzo and J.C. Woodworth, 2007. Effects of breeder hen age and dietary L-carnitine on progeny embryogenesis. Br. Poult. Sci., 48: 299-307.
PubMedDirect Link - Rebouche, C.J., 1992. Carnitine function and requirements during the life cycle. FASEB J., 6: 3379-3386.
Direct Link - Zhai, W., S. Neuman, M.A. Latour and P.Y. Hester, 2008. The effect of in ovo injection of L-carnitine on hatchability of white leghorns. Poult. Sci., 87: 569-572.
CrossRefDirect Link