Prospects ofin ovofeeding and nutrient supplementation for poultry: the science and commercial applications—a review

Abstract

In ovo supplementation of poultry embryos was first reported several decades ago, but it is only recently that concerted research has been directed at developing the technology for this process to be routinely used by the poultry industry. Although the technology of in ovo feeding was patented more than 10 years ago, it has not been widely adopted by the poultry industry. This review examines the early development of the enteric system of the poultry embryo; defines and distinguishes between in ovo feeding and in ovo nutrient administration; highlights the importance of early feeding of the chick; and discusses the development of in ovo feeding technology and its effects on hatchability, growth, gut health and immune response of chicks. The range of possible nutrients that can be administered is also explored. The limitations associated with embryo development and nutrient metabolism are highlighted, leading to the prediction of the future role of in ovo feeding in the poultry industry.

Effect of arginine and threonine administered in ovo on digestive organ developments and subsequent growth performance of broiler chickens

“…Birds received Thr had increased FI which might be due to the impact of Thr on functional development of GIT, owing to the fact that Thr is an indispensable constituent of mucin and gastric enzymes (Kadam et al., ). In this respect, Horn et al.…”

“…() showed the enhanced FI of in ovo Thr‐administered group during days 14–21 of age. Furthermore, Arg, Thr and methionine + cysteine in ovo inoculation was found to increase the mucin gene expression in broiler chicks which may contribute to GIT development and subsequently higher FI (Kadam et al., ; Bhanja et al., ). Saki et al.…”

“…After injection of a feeding solution to the amniotic fluid, embryo orally consumes the amniotic contents prior to piping which lead to exposure of supplemented nutrients to GIT tissue. This helps the faster development of digestive tract and the subsequent absorptive capacity, particularly near the end of incubation (Kadam et al., ). The impact of in ovo injected amino acids on digestive organs has been shown previously.…”

In ovo feeding of carbohydrates for broilers—a systematic review

“…Moreover, the practice of post‐hatch fasting until the chicks are housed can further limit the nutritional reserves contained in the yolk. Consequently, the initial performance of the birds may be impaired even more (Kadam, Barekatain, Bhanja, & Iji, ; Kornasio, Halevy, Kedar, & Uni, ).…”

Physico-chemical properties of late-incubation egg amniotic fluid and a potential in ovo feed supplement

“…However, there have been certain concerns as well. For example, a review highlighted that while in ovo nutrient administration appears to have a significant effect on hatching weights, other responses such as final weights and feed conversion efficiency are not consistent [11]. While improving hatching weight, reduced hatchability with the use of glucose [12] and amino acids [13] for IOF have been reported.…”