Effects of in ovo injection of L-ascorbic acid on growth performance, carcass composition, plasma antioxidant capacity, and meat quality in broiler chickens1,2,3

Integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics to analyze the differences of breast muscle quality and flavor formation between Daweishan mini chicken and broiler

The quality and flavor of chicken are affected by muscle metabolites and related regulatory genes, and the molecular regulation mechanism of meat quality is different among different breeds of chicken. In this study, 40 one-day-old Daweishan mini chicken (DM) and Cobb broiler (CB) were selected from each group, with 4 replicates and 10 chickens in each replicate. The chickens were reared until 90 d of age under the same management conditions. Then, metabolomics and transcriptomics data of 90-day-old DM (n = 4) and CB (n = 4) were integrated to analyze metabolites affecting breast muscle quality and flavor, and to explore the important genes regulating meat quality and flavor related metabolites. The results showed that a total of 38 significantly different metabolites (SDMs) and 420 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the breast muscle of the 2 breeds. Amino acid and lipid metabolism may be the cause of meat quality and flavor difference between DM and CB chickens, involving metabolites such as L-methionine, betaine, N6, N6, N6-Trimethyl-L-lysine, L-anserine, glutathione, glutathione disulfide, L-threonine, N-Acetyl-L-aspartic acid, succinate, choline, DOPC, SOPC, alpha-linolenic acid, L-palmitoylcarnitine, etc. Important regulatory genes with high correlation with flavor amino acids (GATM, GSTO1) and lipids (PPARG, LPL, PLIN1, SCD, ANGPTL4, FABP7, GK, B4GALT6, UGT8, PLPP4) were identified by correlation analysis, and the gene-metabolite interaction network of breast muscle mass and flavor formation in DM chicken was constructed. This study showed that there were significant differences in breast metabolites between DM and CB chickens, mainly in amino acid and lipid metabolites. These 2 kinds of substances may be the main reasons for the difference in breast muscle quality and flavor between the 2 breeds. In general, this study could provide a theoretical basis for further research on the molecular regulatory mechanism of the formation of breast muscle quality and flavor differences between DM and CB chickens, and provide a reference for the development, utilization and genetic breeding of high-quality meat chicken breeds.

Vitamin C regulates skeletal muscle post-injury regeneration by promoting myoblast proliferation through its direct interaction with the Pax7 protein

Previous studies have shown that vitamin C (VC), an essential vitamin for the human body, can promote the differentiation of muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) in vitro and play an important role in skeletal muscle post-injury regeneration. However, the molecular mechanism of VC regulating MuSC proliferation has not been elucidated. In this study, the role of VC in promoting MuSC proliferation and its molecular mechanism were explored using cell molecular biology and animal experiments. The results showed that VC accelerates the progress of skeletal muscle post-injury regeneration by promoting MuSC proliferation in vivo. VC can also promote skeletal muscle regeneration in the case of atrophy. Using the C2C12 myoblast murine cell line, we observed that VC also stimulated cell proliferation. In addition, after an in vitro study establishing the occurrence of a physical interaction between VC and Pax7, we observed that VC also upregulated the total and nuclear Pax7 protein levels. This mechanism increased the expression of Myf5 (Myogenic Factor 5), a Pax7 target gene. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying VC-mediated MuSC proliferation and skeletal muscle regeneration. Moreover, it develops the application of VC in animal muscle nutritional supplements and treatment of skeletal muscle-related diseases.

In ovo feeding of vitamins in broilers: A comprehensive meta-analysis of hatchability and growth performance

In ovo feeding has been introduced as a cost-effective method to improve hatchability and broiler performance. Specifically, several studies have focused on the impact of vitamins. However, due to variations in experimental conditions across all trials, drawing general conclusions appears challenging. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of 17 published papers, including a maximum of 134 sample size to evaluate the potential effects of in ovo feeding of vitamins in broilers. Studies were retrieved by consulting scientific repositories such as Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A binary logistic model was used to determine the parameters influencing hatchability. To assess variations in hatchling weight and growth parameters based on the vitamin category, a mixed model analysis of variance was performed, considering the study as a random effect and the vitamin category as a fixed effect. Finally, a linear mixed model was used to develop equations that explain the evolution of growth parameters based on vitamin concentration, volume, and day of injection. The results revealed that for better hatchability, it is preferable to consider heavier eggs (p = 0.007), lower volumes (p = 0.039), and late injection (p = 0.022). Vitamin E was associated with higher hatchling weight (p = 0.037), while vitamin C exhibited the lowest overall feed conversion ratio (p = 0.042). Interactions were observed between the day of injection and vitamin concentration or volume of injection for all studied growth parameters. In summary, the findings of this study suggest that hatchability during in ovo feeding is influenced by technique-related parameters, whereas growth parameters can be modulated by the category of vitamin injected. Consequently, this study lays the groundwork for future investigations assessing the effects of in ovo feeding in broilers, as it highlights the relationship between the methodology and potential outcomes.

Sweet potato flour (Ipomoea batatas) as natural antioxidant on carcass yield and meat physicochemical characteristics of Creole chickens of Mexico and Cobb 500

Antioxidants are considered functional additives against oxidative stress since they avoid nutritional decline in the meat. The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of sweet potato flour (SPF) as a natural antioxidant on carcass yield and physicochemical characteristics of Creole chickens of Mexico (CChM) and Cobb 500 broilers. In total, 210 chickens (105 CChM and 105 Cobb 500 chickens) were randomly assigned to three treatments: 0, 500, and 1000 mg of SPF kg-1 of feed. The Cobb 500 chickens showed higher carcass yield (hot and cold), breast, and breast fillet, whereas the CChM had higher thigh yield (P ≤ 0.05). The yield on the previously mentioned variables was not affected by the inclusion levels of SPF. The initial pH differed because of the effect of the chicken's genotype and the addition of SPF, which was higher on Cobb 500 chicken and on those that were not supplemented with SPF. The birds' skin that consumed SPF presented higher yellowness after 24 h (P ≤ 0.05). CChM manifested a higher dry matter and protein content and a lower content of ash and fat (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, Cobb 500 chickens present a higher carcass yield and its components, in addition to a less acid pH; however, CChM offer a higher nutritional contribution, whereas the 500 and 1000 mg addition of SPF increases the skin yellowness, which makes it an alterorganic as a pigment on broiler chicken production.

Investigations of Ascorbic Acid Synthesis and Distribution in Broiler Tissues at Different Post-Hatch Days

Ascorbic acid (AA) is an indispensable nutrient required to sustain optimal poultry health and performance, which is commonly excluded from the diet of broilers. To investigate the synthesis and distribution of AA during broiler growth and clarify its possible turnover, 144 1 d old healthy Arbor Acres broilers with a body weight of approximately 41 g were randomly assigned to eight groups of 18 broilers each. The kidney, liver, ileum, and spleen of one bird from each group were collected every week until 42 d to detect the synthesis capacity, tissue distribution, and transporter gene expression of AA. The results showed that kidney L-gulonolactone oxidase (GLO) activity responded quadratically (p < 0.001), with maximum activity observed at 7 to 21 d old. Hepatic total AA and dehydroascrobate (DHA) concentration increased linearly (p < 0.001) with age, as did splenic total AA (p < 0.001). In the ileum, mRNA expression of sodium vitamin C transporter 1/2 (SVCT1/2) decreased with the growing age of the broilers (p < 0.05). The expression of SVCT1 in the kidney was not influenced by the growing age of the broilers. The progressive buildup of AA in the liver and spleen of broilers as they age implies an amplified demand for this nutrient. The waning synthesis capacity over time, however, raises concerns regarding the possible inadequacy of AA in the latter growth phase of broilers. The addition of AA to the broilers' diet might have the potential to optimize their performance. However, the effectiveness of such dietary supplementation requires further investigation.

Effect of in ovo feeding of γ-aminobutyric acid combined with embryonic thermal manipulation on hatchability, growth, and hepatic gene expression in broilers

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effects of in ovo feeding of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and embryonic thermal manipulation (ETM) on growth performance, organ indices, plasma biochemical parameters, hepatic antioxidant levels, and expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in broilers.

METHODS

Two hundred and fifty eggs were assigned to one of four treatments: control eggs incubated under standard conditions (CON); eggs that received an in ovo injection of 10% GABA on day 17.5 of incubation (G10); thermally manipulated eggs between days 10 and 18 of incubation at 39.6°C for 6 h daily (TM); and eggs that received both treatments during incubation (G10+TM). After 28 days of rearing, five birds per treatment were selected for blood and organ sampling.

RESULTS

No differences were found in hatchability or growth parameters among different treatment groups. Hepatic gene expression of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) was upregulated (p = 0.046 and p = 0.006, respectively) in the G10+TM group, while that of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) was upregulated (p = 0.039) in the G10 group. In addition, the relative gene expression of NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) was significantly lower (p = 0.007) in all treatment groups than that in the CON group. Hepatic fatty acid synthase (FAS) levels and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of last week showed a positive correlation (r = 0.50, p = 0.038). In contrast, the relative gene expression of the extracellular fatty acid-binding protein (EXFAB) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) were positively correlated (r = 0.48, p = 0.042 and r = 0.50, p = 0.031) with the overall ADFI of birds.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the results of this study suggest that the combination of in ovo feeding of GABA and ETM can enhance hepatic antioxidant function in broilers.

Effects of the In Ovo Administration of L-ascorbic Acid on the Performance and Incidence of Corneal Erosion in Ross 708 Broilers Subjected to Elevated Levels of Atmospheric Ammonia

Effects of the in ovo injection of various levels of L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) on the performance and corneal erosion incidence in Ross 708 broilers exposed to 50 parts per million (ppm) of atmospheric ammonia (NH₃) after hatch were determined. A total of 1440 Ross 708 broiler embryos were randomly assigned to 4 treatments: non-injected (control), 0.85% sterile saline-injected (control), or saline containing 12 or 25 mg of L-AA. At hatch, 12 male chicks were randomly assigned to each of 48 battery cages with 12 replicate cages randomly assigned to each treatment group. All birds were exposed to 50 ppm of NH₃ for 35 d and the concentration of NH₃ in the battery cage house was recorded every 20 s. Mortality was determined daily, and mean body weight (BW), BW gain (BWG), average daily BW gain (ADG), and feed intake, as well as feed conversion ratio (FCR), were determined weekly. From 0 to 35 d of post-hatch age (doa), six birds from each cage were selected and sampled for eye erosion scoring. Incidences of corneal erosion were significantly higher at 21 and 28 doa in comparison to those at 14 and 35 doa, and at 21 doa, birds in the saline-injected group exhibited a higher incidence of corneal erosion compared to all other treatment groups. The in ovo injection of 12 mg of L-AA increased BWG (p = 0.043) and ADG (p = 0.041), and decreased FCR (p = 0.043) from 0 to 28 doa in comparison to saline-injected controls. In conclusion the in ovo administration of 12 mg of L-AA may have the potential to improve the live performance of broilers chronically exposed to high aerial NH₃ concentrations, but further study is needed to determine the physiological and immunological factors that may contribute to this improvement.

Adverse effects of heat stress during summer on broiler chickens production and antioxidant mitigating effects

Broiler chicken meat is a good source of protein consumed universally, and is one of the most commonly farmed species in world. In addition to providing food, poultry non-edible byproducts also have value. A major advantage of broiler chicken production is their short production cycle, which results in a greater rate of production in comparison to other species. However, as with any production system, there are constraints in broiler production with one of the most pressing being energy requirements to keep the birds warm as chicks and cool later in the growth cycle, as a result of the cost needing mechanical heating and cooling. While this is feasible in more advanced economies, this is not readily affordable in developing economies. As a result, farmers rely on natural ventilation to cool the rearing houses, which generally becoming excessively warm with the resultant heat stress on the birds. Since little can be done without resorting to mechanical ventilation and cooling, exploring the use of other means to reduce heat stress is needed. For this review, we cover the various factors that induce heat stress, the physiological and behavioral responses of broiler chickens to heat stress. We also look at mitigating the adverse effect of heat stress through the use of antioxidants which possess either an anti-stress and/or antioxidant effects.

Effect of In Ovo Vitamin C Injection against Mobile Phone Radiation on Post-Hatch Performance of Broiler Chicks

This study aimed to investigate the effect of in ovo injection of vitamin C to reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic waves (EMWs) emitted from mobile phones on chicken embryos. In this study, a total of 750 fertilized eggs of Ross 308 were exposed to EMWs for 1050 min during the incubation period. On the 17th day of incubation, the eggs were divided into three groups and solutions were injected into the amnion sac of embryos. The chicks were housed separately in accordance with in ovo treatments for 5 wk after hatching. An in ovo vitamin C injection resulted in a lower hatching weight. The post-hatch mortality or production efficiency factor of birds in the in ovo vitamin C injection group and the intact egg group were comparable, and were better than that of the other negative control group. In ovo vitamin C injection in eggs subjected to EMWs significantly increased their body weight gain, carcass weight, abdominal fat weight, and AST levels, but reduced spleen weight and PON-1 levels. In conclusion, an in ovo vitamin C injection in eggs subject to mobile phone EMWs improved the post-hatch performance of chicks, but low PON and high AST activities indicate an increase in oxidative damage among broiler chicks.

Effects of the In Ovo and Dietary Supplementation of L-Ascorbic Acid on the Growth Performance, Inflammatory Response, and Eye L-Ascorbic Acid Concentrations in Ross 708 Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

L-ascorbic acid (L-AA), known as vitamin C, is involved in several metabolic process, including bone formation, antioxidant activity, and inflammatory response. It is well documented that the antioxidant capacity and immunity of broilers are enhanced in response to the dietary or in ovo administration of L-AA. The aim of the current study was to determine the effects the in ovo or dietary administration of L-AA on the post hatch performance, plasma nitric oxide, and eye L-AA concentrations of Ross 708 broilers. At 17 days of incubation, the following treatments were administered: non-injected or sham-injected (100 μL of saline) controls, or the injection of either 12 or 25 mg of L-AA suspended in 100 μL of saline. In addition, chicks were fed a commercial diet with or without 200 mg/kg of supplemental L-AA. The results of the current study revealed that the eye concentrations of L-AA were higher in males in comparison to females. Additionally, 12 mg of L-AA decreased plasma nitric oxide levels in 14-day-old male broilers in comparison to all the other in ovo injection treatment groups. Compared to a commercial diet, dietary L-AA lowered feed conversion ratio during the second week of post hatch growth. In conclusion, the in ovo administration of L-AA was more effective in reducing inflammatory response, whereas the dietary source had a greater impact on the live performance of broilers. Further research is needed to determine the aforementioned effects throughout the entire growing phase.

Abstract

Effects of the dietary and in ovo administration of L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) on the performance, plasma nitric oxide, and eye L-AA concentrations of Ross 708 broilers were investigated. At 17 days of incubation, live embryonated hatching eggs were randomly assigned to a non-injected or sham-injected (100 μL of saline) control group, or a group injected with either 12 or 25 mg of L-AA suspended in 100 μL of saline. Chicks received a commercial diet with or without 200 mg/kg of supplemental L-AA and were randomly assigned to each of 6 replicate floor pens in each in ovo injection-dietary treatment combination. Weekly live performance variables through 14 days of post hatch age (doa) and the eye weights in both sexes at 0, 7, and 14 doa were determined. At 0 and 14 doa, plasma nitric oxide levels and eye L-AA concentrations of one bird of each sex in each pen were determined. Dietary supplemental L-AA decreased feed intake and growth between 0 and 7 doa, but from 8 to 14 doa; all birds fed supplemental L-AA had a lower feed conversion ratio. At 14 doa, male chicks had higher eye L-AA concentrations and lower plasma nitric oxide levels when treated in ovo with 12 mg of L-AA. In conclusion, dietary L-AA may be used to improve feed conversion in the second week of broiler post hatch growth. However, the in ovo administration of 12 mg of L-AA can increase male eye L-AA concentrations and is effective in reducing their general inflammatory response.

Embryonic manipulations modulate differential expressions of heat shock protein, fatty acid metabolism, and antioxidant-related genes in the liver of heat-stressed broilers

In this study, the effects of in ovo feeding of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and embryonic thermal manipulation (TM) on plasma biochemical parameters, organ weights, and hepatic gene expression in broilers exposed to cyclic heat stress (32 ± 1°C for 8 days) (HS) were investigated. A total of 175 chicks were assigned to five treatments: chicks hatched from control eggs (CON); chicks hatched from control eggs but exposed to HS (CON+HS); chicks hatched from eggs injected at 17.5 days of incubation with 0.6mL of 10% GABA and exposed to HS (G10+HS); chicks hatched from thermally manipulated eggs (39.6°C, 6h/d from embryonic days 10 to 18) and exposed to HS (TM+HS); chicks hatched from eggs that received both previous treatments during incubation and exposed to HS (G10+TM+HS). Results revealed that on day 36 post-hatch, hepatic NADPH oxidase 1 (P = 0.034) and 4 (P = 0.021) genes were downregulated in the TM+HS and G10+TM+HS compared to the CON+HS group. In addition, while acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene expression was reduced (P = 0.002) in the G10+TM group, gene expression of extracellular fatty acid-binding protein and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ was lower (P = 0.045) in the TM+HS group than in the CON+HS group. HS led to higher gene expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and 90 (HSP90) (P = 0.005, and P = 0.022). On the other hand, the TM+HS group exhibited lower expression of both HSP70 (P = 0.031) and HSP90 (P = 0.043) whereas the G10+TM+HS group had a reduced (P = 0.016) HSP90 expression compared to the CON+HS. MANOVA on different gene sets highlighted an overall lower (P = 0.034) oxidative stress and lower (P = 0.035) heat shock protein expression in the G10+TM+HS group compared to the CON+HS group. Taken together, the current results suggest that the combination of in ovo feeding of GABA with TM can modulate HSPs and antioxidant-related gene expression in heat-stressed broilers.

Vitamin C Promotes Muscle Development Mediated by the Interaction of CSRP3 with MyoD and MyoG

Previous studies have reported that vitamin C (VC), an essential nutrient, exerts beneficial effects on muscle health. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the VC-mediated regulation of muscle development is still unclear. The roles of VC in muscle development and the underlying molecular mechanisms were examined using cell and molecular biology, transcriptomics, proteomics, and animal experiments in this study. VC upregulated the expression of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2) and cysteine rich protein 3 (CSRP3). Additionally, VC promoted the differentiation of C2C12 cells and the repair of mouse muscle injury by upregulating the nuclear translocation of CSRP3, which subsequently interacted with MyoD and MyoG. This study provided a theoretical basis for elucidating the mechanism underlying the VC-mediated regulation of muscle development, as well as for developing animal nutritional supplements and therapeutic drugs for muscle diseases.

Effects of the In Ovo Injection of L-Ascorbic Acid on Broiler Hatching Performance

Simple Summary

Previous studies have shown positive effects of the use of supplementary L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) to mitigate various stressors such as heat and ammonia exposure in the broiler industry. The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of L-AA administrated by in ovo injection on various hatch variables and the embryonic serum L-AA concentrations of Ross 708 broilers. At 18 days of incubation (doi), the following four treatment groups: non-injected control, saline-injected control, and saline containing either 12 or 25 mg of L-AA were administrated. An automated multi-egg injector accurately delivered 100 μL solution volumes into the amnion. The in ovo injection of high levels of L-AA (12 and 25 mg) did not affect hatchability, but 12 mg of L-AA in saline and saline alone resulted in a reduction in embryonic mortality. Additionally, serum L-AA did not differ between the in ovo injected treatments at any time period; however, the serum L-AA concentration was numerically higher in males as compared to female hatchlings. In conclusion, the automated in ovo injection of high levels of L-AA may not be detrimental to hatchling quality but may promote embryonic livability.

Abstract

Effects of the in ovo injection of various concentrations of L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) on the hatchability and retention levels of L-AA in the serum of broiler embryos were investigated. A total of 960 Ross 708 broilers hatching eggs were randomly divided into four treatment groups: non-injected control, saline-injected control, and saline containing either 12 or 25 mg of L-AA. At 18 days of incubation (doi), injected eggs received a 100 μL volume of sterile saline (0.85%) alone or containing one of the two L-AA levels. Percentage egg weight loss was also determined from 0 to 12 and 12 to 18 doi. Hatch residue analysis was conducted after candling to determine the staging of embryo mortality. At approximately 21 doi, hatchability of live embryonated eggs (HI) and hatchling body weight (BW) were determined. Blood samples were taken at 6 and 24 h after L-AA in ovo injection to determine serum L-AA concentrations. Serum L-AA concentrations, HI, and hatchling BW did not differ among all treatment groups. However, chicks in the non-injected group had a higher (p = 0.05) embryonic mortality at hatch in comparison to those in the 12 mg of L-AA in saline and saline alone treatment groups. These results suggest that the in ovo injection of high levels of L-AA (12 and 25 mg) does not negatively affect HI or serum concentrations of L-AA but has the potential to promote embryonic livability. Further research is needed to determine the retention time of L-AA in the other tissues of broilers, including the cornea of the eye, in response to different levels of supplemental L-AA.

Effects of the In Ovo Injection of Vitamin D3 and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 in Ross 708 Broilers Subsequently Challenged with Coccidiosis: II Immunological and Inflammatory Responses and Small Intestine Histomorphology

In broilers challenged with coccidiosis, effects of in ovo vitamin D3 (D3) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) administration on their inflammatory response and small intestine morphology were evaluated. At 18 d of incubation (doi), a 50 μL volume of the following 5 in ovo injection treatments was administrated: non-injected (1) and diluent injected (2) controls, or diluent injection containing 2.4 μg D3 (3) or 2.4 μg 25OHD3 (4), or their combination (5). Four male broilers were randomly allocated to each of eight isolated replicate wire-floored battery cages at hatch, and birds were challenged at 14 d of age (doa) with a 20x live coccidial vaccine dosage. One bird from each treatment-replicate (40 birds in each of 8 replicates per treatment) was bled at 14 and 28 doa in order to collect blood for the determination of plasma IL-1β and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations. The duodenum, jejunum, and ilium from those same birds were excised for measurement of villus length, crypt depth, villus length to crypt depth ratio (VCR), and villus surface area. In ovo injection of 2.4 μg of 25OHD3 resulted in a reduction in plasma NO levels as compared to all other treatments at 28 doa. Additionally, duodenal VCR increased in response to the in ovo injection of 25OHD3 when compared to the diluent, D3 alone, and the D3 + 25OHD3 combination treatments at two weeks post-challenge (28 doa). Therefore, it can be concluded that 2.4 μg of 25OHD3, when administrated in ovo at 18 doi, may be used to decrease the inflammatory reaction as well as to enhance the small intestine morphology of broilers during a coccidiosis challenge.

The application of ascorbic acid as a therapeutic feed additive to boost immunity and antioxidant activity of poultry in heat stress environment

Ascorbic acid, widely known as vtamin C, is an essential nutrient for animals such as poultry. Ascorbic acid in poultry feed improves animal health and thus increases the growth performance of birds. Ascorbic acid can be used in the form of synthetic products or can be naturally obtained from fruits and plants. It is soluble in water and can be easily administered in drinking water and the diet. Poultry can synthesize ascorbic acid in the body. However, the performance of the animals can be improved by adding ascorbic acid to their diet. In addition, ascorbic acid is called an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. This increases their resistance to disease during the transition season. Ascorbic acid supplementation positively affects the stress response, especially during the dry season in tropical countries. Furthermore, supplementing ascorbic acid in the poultry’s diet improves resistance to diseases, regulates stress, and helps in the body’s oxidation process. Ultimately, this enhances the laying rate, egg hatch performance, and higher poultry productivity. For layers at the end of the laying period, it helps increase the quality of the eggshell and reduces the proportion of broken eggs. Ascorbic acid has a strong relationship with other vitamins such as vitamin E and other substances such as zinc, safflower oil, folic acid, and a fibrous diet. This review aims to synthesize all the information of ascorbic acid in the poultry’s diet, thereby providing the general role of ascorbic acid for the poultry industry.

Influences of L-Arginine In Ovo Feeding on the Hatchability, Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, and Meat Quality of Slow-Growing Chickens

Simple Summary

The nutrition and health status of the embryo in the hatching process directly influence the hatchability and chicken performance post-hatch in poultry production. The in ovo feeding (IOF) technique provides a viable way to improve the embryonic development and chicken performance post-hatch. Thus, the hypothesis of this study was that supplementing L-arginine (Arg) into embryos could positively affect the hatchability, growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of slow-growing chickens. The results of this study demonstrate that IOF of Arg positively affected the antioxidant capacity of the breast muscle in the starter period, and there was no effect on the hatchability, growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality. Overall, our findings suggest that IOF of Arg may have beneficial effects on chicken health without compromising the hatchability, subsequent growth, and meat quality.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) of L-arginine (Arg) on the hatchability, growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of slow-growing chickens. A total of 480 eggs were randomly divided into a non-injected control group (NC group) and a 1% Arg-injected group (Arg group). On day 18 of incubation, 0.5 mL of Arg solution was injected into the embryonic amnion in the Arg group. Upon hatching, 160 mixed-sex chickens were randomly assigned to two groups, with four replicates per group. This experiment lasted for 63 days. The results showed that the hatchability, growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the two groups. However, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was lower (p < 0.05), and the glutathione (GSH) level was higher (p < 0.05) on day of hatching in the Arg group. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activity was increased (p < 0.05) on day 21 post-hatch in the Arg group compared to that in the NC group. In conclusion, IOF of Arg increased the antioxidant capacity of the breast muscle in the starter period, which may have a positive effect on health status of slow-growing chickens post-hatch.

Embryonic Thermal Manipulation and in ovo Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Supplementation Regulating the Chick Weight and Stress-Related Genes at Hatch

Chickens are exposed to numerous types of stress from hatching to shipping, influencing poultry production. Embryonic manipulation may develop resistance against several stressors. This study investigates the effects of thermoneutral temperature (T0; 37.8°C) with no injection (N0) (T0N0), T0 with 0.6 ml of 10% in ovo gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplementation (N1) at 17.5th embryonic day (ED) (T0N1), thermal manipulation (T1) at 39.6°C from the 10th to 18th ED (6 h/day) with N0 (T1N0), and T1 with N1 (T1N1) on hatchability parameters and hepatic expression of stress-related genes in day-old Arbor Acres chicks. The parameters determined were hatchability, body weight (BW), organ weight, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant-related gene expression. Percent hatchability was calculated on a fertile egg basis. Growth performance was analyzed using each chick as an experimental unit. Eight birds per group were used for organ weight. Two-way ANOVA was used taking temperature and GABA as the main effect for growth performance and gene expression studies. Analysis was performed using an IBM SPSS statistics software package 25.0 (IBM software, Chicago, IL, USA). Hatchability was similar in all the groups and was slightly lower in the T1N1. Higher BW was recorded in both T1 and N1. Intestinal weight and MDA were higher in T0N1 against T0N0 and T1N1, respectively. The expression of HSP70, HSP90, NOX1, and NOX4 genes was higher and SOD and CAT genes were lower in the T1 group. The present results show that T1 and N1 independently improve the BW of broiler chicks at hatch, but T1 strongly regulates stress-related gene expression and suggests that both T1 and N1 during incubation can improve performance and alleviate stress after hatch.

In ovo Feeding as a Tool for Improving Performance and Gut Health of Poultry: A Review

Early growth and development of the gastrointestinal tract are of critical importance to enhance nutrients' utilization and optimize the growth of poultry. In the current production system, chicks do not have access to feed for about 48-72 h during transportation between hatchery and production farms. This lag time affects early nutrient intake, natural exposure to the microbiome, and the initiation of beneficial stimulation of the immune system of chicks. In ovo feeding can provide early nutrients and additives to embryos, stimulate gut microflora, and mitigate the adverse effects of starvation during pre-and post-hatch periods. Depending on the interests, the compounds are delivered to the embryo either around day 12 or 17 to 18 of incubation and via air sac or amnion. In ovo applications of bioactive compounds like vaccines, nutrients, antibiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, creatine, follistatin, L-carnitine, CpG oligodeoxynucleotide, growth hormone, polyclonal antimyostatin antibody, peptide YY, and insulin-like growth factor-1 have been studied. These compounds affect hatchability, body weight at hatch, physiological functions, immune responses, gut morphology, gut microbiome, production performance, and overall health of birds. However, the route, dose, method, and time of in ovo injection and host factors can cause variation, and thereby inconsistencies in results. Studies using this method have manifested the benefits of injection of different single bioactive compounds. But for excelling in poultry production, researchers should precisely know the proper route and time of injection, optimum dose, and effective combination of different compounds. This review paper will provide an insight into current practices and available findings related to in ovo feeding on performance and health parameters of poultry, along with challenges and future perspectives of this technique.

Biochemical and molecular effects of a commercial diuretic with herbal extract on experimentally induced urolithiasis in chickens

This study evaluated the diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunological effects of a commercial diuretic (CD) (composed of ammonium chloride, potassium citrate, sodium chloride, ascorbic acid, biotin, halfa bar extract, and hexamine) on chickens with induced urolithiasis. A total of 100 one-day-old white Hy-Line chicks were fed a basal diet containing 20% crude protein (CP) and 1% Ca until they reached 48 days of age. Then, the birds were divided into five groups (G1-G5). G1 was fed a basal diet and kept as a negative control, G2 was fed a high protein (HP) diet containing 25% crude protein, G3 was fed high calcium (HC) diet containing 5% Ca, G4 was fed HP diet supplemented with CD, and G5 was fed HC diet supplemented with CD. The CD was supplemented with drinking water (at a dose of 0.5 ml/ liter) for 1 week. The experiment was held for 78 days. Clinical signs, postmortem lesions, and mortality rates were observed. Biochemical analytes, redox status biomarkers, and expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) were measured. Tissue samples were taken for histopathological examination. No signs of CD toxicity were observed during the toxicity test prior to the experiment. Compared to all groups, birds in G2 and G3 showed impaired renal function and alterations in biochemical, redox status, lipid peroxidation, post-mortem, and histopathological lesions along with upregulation of IL-6 and IFN-γ in the kidney and spleen. In conclusion, commercial diuretic supplementation for one week improves renal function, redox status, immune and anti-inflammatory responses in chickens with induced urolithiasis.

Alterations on vitamin C synthesis and transportation and egg deposition induced by dietary vitamin C supplementation in Hy-Line Brown layer model

In ovo feeding of vitamin C (VC) has positive effects on the growth performance, immune and antioxidant function in poultry, which indicates that increasing VC content in eggs may be of benefit. This study was to investigate the effects of dietary VC supplementation on VC synthesis and transportation and egg deposition. In Exp. 1, in order to select a suitable animal model, VC content was detected in different eggs from different layer species. Vitamin C content was lower in ISA Brown breeder eggs and Hy-Line Brown layer eggs (P < 0.05) then in Arbor Acres breeder eggs. In Exp. 2, a total of 24 Hy-Line Brown layers (42-week-old) were randomly divided into 3 treatments with 8 replicates and fed a basal diet with VC at 0, 200 and 400 mg/kg. Sodium-dependent VC transporter 1 and 2 (SVCT1 and SVCT2) expressions were higher in ileum than in duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05). SVCT1 expression was higher but SVCT2 expression was lower in the magnum than in the ovary (P < 0.05). L-Gulonolactone oxidase (GLO) and SVCT1 expressions were higher but SVCT2 was lower in the kidney than in the liver (P < 0.05). Dietary VC supplementation at 400 mg/kg increased SVCT1 expression in duodenum, ovary and magnum, but decreased GLO and SVCT1 expression in liver (P < 0.05). Dietary VC supplementation at 200 and 400 mg/kg increased SVCT2 expression in duodenum, but decreased GLO and SVCT1 expression in kidney and SVCT2 expression in liver (P < 0.05). Dietary VC supplementation promoted VC absorption in duodenum and jejunum, but reduced endogenous VC synthesis in liver and kidney. Although dietary VC supplementation enhanced VC transportation in ovary and magnum, it did not increase VC deposition in produced eggs.

In ovo feeding of vitamin C regulates splenic development through purine nucleotide metabolism and induction of apoptosis in broiler chickens

Nutrition in early life has a long-term influence on later health. In order to the explore effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) of vitamin C on splenic development, splenic metabolism and apoptosis were detected in embryo, adult chickens and in vitro. A total of 360 fertile eggs were selected and randomly assigned to control (CON) and vitamin C (VC) groups which were injected with saline and vitamin C on embryonic day 11, respectively. Functional enrichment of differentially expressed genes by transcriptome on embryonic day 19 suggested that purine nucleotide metabolism might be a potential pathway for the IOF of vitamin C to regulate spleen development. Additionally, the IOF of vitamin C significantly increased splenic vitamin C content on post-hatch day 21. Meanwhile, the splenic expression of adenosine deaminase, serine/threonine kinase 1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen was down-regulated, whereas the expression of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 9 was up-regulated in the VC group. On post-hatch day 42, the IOF of vitamin C significantly down-regulated the splenic expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 and increased the mRNA level of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 9. The IOF of vitamin C could regulate the expression of genes related to adenylate metabolism and increased the apoptosis rate in vitro, which is consistent with the result in vivo. In conclusion, the IOF of vitamin C regulated splenic development and maturation by affecting purine nucleotide metabolism pathway and promoting apoptosis.

Centennial Review: Effects of vitamins A, D, E, and C on the chicken immune system

Vitamins are nutritional elements which are necessary for essential activities such as development, growth, and metabolism of cells. In addition to these conventional functions, vitamins A, D, E, and C have vital roles in normal function of the immune system as their deficiency is known to impair innate and adaptive host responses. By altering transcription of multiple immune system genes and contributing to antioxidant activities, these vitamins influence the immune system in different ways including modulation of cell-mediated and antibody-mediated responses, immunoregulation, and antiinflammatory effects. Furthermore, supplementation of these vitamins to poultry may assist the immune system to combat microbial pathogens while reducing detrimental effects associated with stress and enhancing responses to vaccines. In this article, the relationship between the chicken immune system and vitamins A, D, E, and C is reviewed, and evidence from the literature pertaining to how these vitamins exert their antiinflammatory, regulatory, and antimicrobial effects is discussed.

Improvement in the performance and inflammatory reaction of Ross 708 broilers in response to the in ovo injection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3

The effects of the in ovo administration of vitamin D₃ (D₃) and its metabolite, 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25OHD₃)_, on the performance, breast meat yield, and inflammatory responses of broilers fed commercial diets were investigated. Live embryonated Ross 708 broiler hatching eggs were randomly assigned to one of the following 5 in ovo injection treatments at 18 d of incubation: 1) noninjected; 2) diluent; diluent containing 3) 2.4-μg D₃, 4) 2.4-μg 25OHD₃, or 5) 2.4-μg D₃ + 2.4-μg 25OHD₃. A 50-μL solution volume of each prespecified treatment was injected into each egg using an Inovoject multiegg injector. At hatch, 18 male chicks were randomly assigned to each of 30 floor pens. The BW, BW gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of the birds were determined in each dietary phase. At 14, 28, and 39 d of posthatch age (doa), plasma α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) levels in 1 bird in each of 6 replicate pens per treatment were determined at 14 and 39 doa. The pectoralis major and minor weights of those same birds were also determined. The remaining birds were processed at 43 doa, and the weights of their processing parts were determined. At 39 doa, the in ovo injection of 25OHD₃ alone decreased plasma AGP concentrations in comparison with the noninjected, diluent, and D₃-alone treatment groups. In addition, birds that received 25OHD₃ alone had a greater BW at 42 doa than birds in the noninjected, diluent, and D₃-alone treatment groups. At 39 and 43 doa, breast meat yield was increased in response to the in ovo injection of 25OHD₃ alone in comparison to all other treatments. These results indicate that the in ovo injection of 2.4 μg of 25OHD₃ resulted in an improvement in the performance and inflammatory responses of broilers. A reduction in the inflammatory response subsequent to the in ovo injection of 2.4 μg of 25OHD₃ may have led to an increase in broiler performance.

Chicken embryo development: metabolic and morphological basis for in ovo feeding technology

Broiler embryonic development depends on the nutrients that are available in the egg, which includes mostly water, lipids, and proteins. Carbohydrates represent less than 1%, and free glucose only 0.3%, of the total nutrients. Considering that energy requirements increase during incubation and metabolism is shifted toward the use of glycogen stores and gluconeogenesis from amino acids, extensive muscle protein degradation in the end of incubation can compromise chick development in the initial days after hatch. Significant prehatch changes occur in embryonic metabolism to parallel the rapid embryonic development. Oral consumption of the amniotic fluid begins around 17 d of incubation and promotes rapid development of the intestinal mucosa, which is characterized by morphological changes and increased expression and activity of enzymes and transporters. Furthermore, ingested substrates are stored as nutritional reserves to be used during hatching and in the first week after hatch. At hatch, this limited-nutrient store is directed to the functional development of the gastrointestinal tract to enable assimilation of exogenous nutrients. In ovo feeding is an alternative to deliver essential nutrients to chick embryos at this critical and challenging phase. The improved nutritional status and physiological changes triggered by in ovo feeding can resonate throughout the entire rearing period with significant health and economic gains. The present review addresses the main changes in metabolism and intestinal development throughout incubation, and also addresses scientific advances, limitations and future perspectives associated with the use of in ovo feeding that has been regarded as an important technology by the poultry industry.

Effects of in ovo feeding of vitamin C on post-hatch performance, immune status and DNA methylation-related gene expression in broiler chickens

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of in ovo feeding (IOF) of vitamin C at embryonic age 11 (E11) on post-hatch performance, immune status and DNA methylation-related gene expression in broiler chickens. A total of 240 Arbor Acres breeder eggs (63 (sem 0·5) g) were randomly divided into two groups: normal saline and vitamin C (VC) groups. After incubation, newly hatched chicks from each group were randomly divided into six replicates with ten chicks per replicate. Hatchability, average daily feed intake (D21–42 and D1–42), and average daily gain and feed conversion ratio (D1–21) were improved by vitamin C treatment (P < 0·05). IOF of vitamin C increased vitamin C content (D1), total antioxidant capacity (D42), IgA (D1), IgM (D1 and D21), stimulation index for T lymphocyte (D35) and lysozyme activity (D21) in plasma (P < 0·05). On D21, vitamin C increased the splenic expression of IL-4 and DNMT1 and decreased IL-1β, Tet2, Tet3 and Gadd45β expression (P < 0·05). On D42, vitamin C increased the splenic expression of IL-4 and DNMT3A and decreased IFN-γ, Tet3, MBD4 and TDG expression (P < 0·05). In conclusion, the vitamin C via in ovo injection can be absorbed by broiler’s embryo and IOF of vitamin C at E11 improves the post-hatch performance and immune status and, to some extent, the antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. The expression of enzyme-related DNA methylation and demethylation indicates that the level of DNA methylation may increase in spleen in the VC group and whether the fluctuating expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines is related to DNA methylation change remained to be further investigated.

Effect of Amniotic Injection of N-Carbamylglutamate on Meat Quality of Broilers

Simple Summary

N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) is a key activator of endogenous arginine production, which plays a vital role in meat quality and antioxidant performance. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study about NCG enhancing the meat quality of broilers. The present research was aimed at exploring the effects of amniotic injection of NCG on meat quality of pectoral muscle in broilers. The data showed that the in ovo feeding (IOF) of NCG enhanced the arginine content, improved the nutritional properties, enhanced the antioxidant capacity, and improved the meat quality in the pectoral muscle of broilers. In summary, amniotic injection of NCG on day 17.5 of incubation could be an effective and novel approach to improving the meat quality of broilers.

Abstract

The current study was performed to determine the influence of amniotic injection of N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) on meat quality of pectoral muscle in broilers. A total of 792 alive broiler embryos at 17 d of incubation were assigned to three treatments randomly (non-injected control, saline-injected control, or NCG-injected treatment). The two injection treatments were an injection with 0.1 mL 0.85% aseptic saline alone or containing 2 mg NCG per egg at 17.5 d of incubation. After hatching, 72 healthy male chicks were selected from each treatment and housed in six pens for a 42 day feeding study. Pectoral muscles from six 42-day-old broilers were collected from each treatment group and were dissected for meat quality assays. The results showed that arginine contents in pectoral muscle in either free or hydrolytic form in the NCG group were higher than those in the non-injection control group (p < 0.05). In comparison to the non-injection or saline-injection control groups, NCG injection resulted in a lower lactic acid content in pectoral muscle (p < 0.05). Muscular antioxidant capacity in the NCG group was higher, as evidenced by the higher activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase and lower content of malondialdehyde (p < 0.05). In addition, the group of in ovo administration of NCG had decreased drip loss and increased crude fat content in pectoral muscle in comparison to those of either control group (p < 0.05) and had enhanced crude protein content compared to that of the saline-injection control group (p < 0.05). Briefly, these results indicate that amniotic administration of NCG in the late incubation phase increased the arginine content, improved the nutritional properties, enhanced the antioxidant capacity, and improved the meat quality in the pectoral muscle of broilers. Amniotic injection of NCG may serve as a novel approach to improving the meat quality of broilers.