In ovo peptide YY administration improves growth and feed conversion ratios in week-old broiler chicks

The effects of in ovo Peptide YY (PYY) administration on growth and feed conversion ratios in a commercial broiler line were investigated. Six hundred Ross male x Cobb female eggs were administered either 0.9% saline (control) or 600 microg/kg egg weight PYY in ovo at Day 18 of incubation. On day of hatching, 210 birds from each treatment group were randomly placed by sex into pens. Body weights at placement were not different between treatment groups. Average chick body weight and adjusted pen feed conversion ratios were improved by PYY in ovo treatment at 7 d posthatch (165.7 vs. 170.2 g, P<0.02; and 1.55 vs. 1.49, P<0.04, respectively). No significant differences between treatments were noted for these parameters at 21 or 42 d of age. These results suggest that in ovo treatment of broiler chicken eggs with gastrointestinal hormones that increase intestinal nutrient absorption, such as PYY, may enhance chick performance.