Effects of source and level of in ovo-injected vitamin D3 on the hatchability and serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentrations of Ross 708 broilers

Abstract

Effects of the in ovo injection of vitamin D 3 ( D 3 ) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol ( 25OHD 3 ) on broiler embryo serum 25OHD 3 concentrations, hatchability, and hatchling somatic characteristics were determined. Eggs from a 35-wk-old commercial Ross 708 broiler breeder flock were set in a single-stage incubator with 11 treatments represented on each of 8 incubator tray levels (blocks). Each treatment group within a flat on each tray level contained 30 eggs. Control treatments were noninjected and diluent injected. Vitamin treatments were commercial diluent containing 0.6 μg D 3 , 0.6 μg 25OHD 3 , 0.6 μg D 3 + 0.6 μg 25OHD 3 , 1.2 μg D 3 , 1.2 μg 25OHD 3 , 1.2 μg D 3 + 1.2 μg 25OHD 3 , 2.4 μg D 3 , 2.4 μg 25OHD 3 , or 2.4 μg D 3 + 2.4 μg 25OHD 3 . At 432 h of incubation ( hoi ), 50-μL solution volumes were injected. Blood samples were collected at 462 hoi for serum 25OHD 3 analysis, and hatchability of injected live embryonated eggs ( HI ) was determined at 492 and 516 hoi. At 516 hoi, hatchling yolk-free BW and weights of the liver and yolk sac were determined. Percentage of yolk moisture and dry mater was calculated. At 492 and 516 hoi, HI did not differ between treatments. Embryos that received 1.2 μg or more of either vitamin D 3 source alone or in combination had higher serum 25OHD 3 concentrations than those that were injected with diluent alone or diluent containing 0.6 μg of D 3 . Hatchlings that received 1.2 or 2.4 μg of 25OHD 3 had higher percentage of yolk dry matter or lower percentage of yolk moisture levels than noninjected controls and those that received D 3 alone at any level. These results indicate that the in ovo injection of either vitamin D 3 source at levels equal to or higher than 1.2 μg resulted in serum 25OHD 3 concentrations that were higher than that of noninjected controls. In addition, the in ovo injection of 1.2 μg or higher of either vitamin D 3 source did not negatively affect broiler HI or chick quality.

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

“…The form and source of D 3 and 25OHD 3 used in this study were the same as those used by Fatemi et al. (2020a , b) . All in ovo injection solutions were also prepared and injected according to the procedures of Fatemi et al., 2020a , Fatemi et al., 2020b .…”

“…(2020a , b) . All in ovo injection solutions were also prepared and injected according to the procedures of Fatemi et al., 2020a , Fatemi et al., 2020b .…”

“…The in ovo injection of D 3 has been shown to increase the concentrations of Ca and phosphorous in the yolk and of embryos at 17 doi. In addition, in ovo injection of 2.4 μg of 25OHD 3 has been shown to increase embryonic serum 25OHD 3 concentrations ( Fatemi et al., 2020b ), decrease embryonic mortality, and improve early posthatch broiler performance when compared with the in ovo injection of diluent with or without 2.4 μg of D 3 ( Fatemi et al., 2020a ). However, the long-term effects of the in ovo injection of individual or combined sources of D 3 on the breast meat yield and immunity of broilers have not been previously reported.…”

Effects of the in ovo injection of vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in Ross 708 broilers subsequently fed commercial or calcium and phosphorus-restricted diets. II. Immunity and small intestine morphology1,2,3

“…Thirty eggs was assigned to each of 4 preassigned treatment groups on each of 24 incubator tray levels (blocks). Treatment groups on each tray were randomly placed to avoid positional effects, and monitoring of incubational conditions were as described by Fatemi et al (2020a , b) . In ovo injection treatments were prepared according to the procedures of Fatemi et al (2020a , b) , and injections were administrated at 18 doi using a Zoetis Inovoject m in ovo injection machine (Zoetis Animal Health, Research Triangle Park, NC).…”

“…Treatment groups on each tray were randomly placed to avoid positional effects, and monitoring of incubational conditions were as described by Fatemi et al (2020a , b) . In ovo injection treatments were prepared according to the procedures of Fatemi et al (2020a , b) , and injections were administrated at 18 doi using a Zoetis Inovoject m in ovo injection machine (Zoetis Animal Health, Research Triangle Park, NC). At injection day, 8 eggs on each of the 12 tray levels were injected with Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 (colloidal) dye for determination of site of injection as described by Sokale et al (2017) .…”