Improved hatchability and posthatch performance in turkey poults receiving a dextrin-iodinated casein solution in ovo

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Science
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Commercial turkey production relies on optimizing poult quality and survival rates.
• Early embryonic development and incubation parameters significantly influence posthatch performance.
• In ovo nutrition strategies are emerging as a method to enhance hatchling viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of in ovo injection of a dextrin-iodinated casein solution on turkey poult hatchability, hatch weight, and early growth.
• To determine the optimal concentration of iodinated casein for in ovo administration.
• To assess the efficacy of this nutritional strategy in a commercial setting.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments involved injecting turkey eggs at 25 days of incubation with a dextrin-iodinated casein solution (DexIC75 or DexIC375) or a control solution.
• Injected eggs were incubated, and subsequent hatchability, hatch weight, and poult weights at 6 or 7 days posthatch were recorded.
• Data were analyzed to determine statistical significance of the treatment effects.

Main Results:

• In ovo injection of DexIC75 resulted in a significant increase in hatch weight in Experiment 1 (1.8%) and Experiment 2 (4.3%).
• Experiment 2 showed DexIC75 significantly improved hatchability (2.4%) and 6-day poult weights (1.8%) compared to controls.
• Higher concentration (DexIC375) did not show significant improvements over DexIC75.

Conclusions:

• In ovo administration of a dextrin-iodinated casein solution at 75 μg/mL shows promise for enhancing turkey poult hatchability and early growth.
• This method offers a potential strategy to improve key performance indicators in commercial turkey production.
• Further research may optimize dosage and timing for maximum benefit.