Effect of In Ovo Feeding of Folic Acid on Subsequent Growth Performance and Blood Constituents Levels in Broilers

Abstract

This study designed to determine effect of in ovo feeding of folic acid on subsequent growth performance and blood constituents levels in broilers. A total of 1000 fertile broiler eggs were divided into four groups. Control group (1) received no injection. In group 2, eggs received in ovo feeding of distiller water (40 µg). Group 3 received in ovo feeding of folic acid (40 µg). Groups 4 and 5 were similar to Group 3, except eggs injected with 80 and 120 µg of folic acid. All eggs were incubated and after hatch chickens were randomly assigned into their experimental groups. On days 1 and 42 post-hatch, chicken randomly selected and blood constituents, carcass characteristics, food intake, body weight gain and food conversion ratio were determined. According to the results, no significant difference detected on hatchability rate of the in ovo injected eggs (P > 0.05). Dose dependent increase observed in glucose and folic acid levels in chicken in ovo injected with folic acid on day 1 post hatch (P = 0.001). Blood glucose, folic acid and phosphorous levels increased (P = 0.001) while cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL, calcium and alkaline phosphatase decreased in ovo injected with folic acid on day 42 post hatch (P = 0.001). Food conversion ratio increased by in ovo injection of the folic acid (P = 0.001). These results suggest folic acid had positive effects in broiler chicken.