In ovo technique—a new promising tool for improving growth production results, yield and meat quality of broilers

Abstract

The perinatal period (the last few days prior and after hatching) is currently recognized as the most crucial time in the development of a young chick. During this time, the chicks undergo metabolic and physiological shifts from the utilization of egg nutrients to exogenous feed. Unlike mammals, embryonic development in avian species is an external process that occurs in the absence of continuous maternal energy supply. Especially in the final third of incubation, embryo development in birds becomes limited by the nutrient content present in the egg. In ovo technology is defined as the direct application of various feed additives (amino acids, hormones, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics), vaccines and nanoparticles into different internal parts of the egg during the incubation period. This technique has been recognized for its potential to improve digestive capacity, increase growth rate and feed efficiency, reduce post-hatch mortality and morbidity, improve immune response to enteric antigens, reduce incidence of developmental skeletal disorders, and increase muscle development and breast meat yield. Nutrients like carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins and trace minerals were found to be most effective for the purpose of in ovo feeding.