Glycosaminoglycans and vitamin C affect broiler bone parameters

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Nutritional Science
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Broiler bone and cartilage health are critical for animal welfare and production efficiency.
• Developmental skeletal issues can negatively impact broiler performance and lead to economic losses.
• Nutritional strategies, including supplementation during incubation and early life, are explored to enhance skeletal integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of in ovo feeding and dietary supplementation with glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine) and vitamin C on broiler bone and cartilage.
• To assess impacts on bone macroscopy, mineral composition, density, breaking strength, and histology.
• To determine optimal application timing (in ovo vs. post-hatch diet) for skeletal benefits.

Main Methods:

• Fertile Cobb broiler eggs were treated with an in ovo injection of a glycosaminoglycan and vitamin C mixture or left uninjected.
• Chicks received dietary treatments with or without the additive from day 1 to 42 post-hatch.
• A 2x2 factorial design was employed, analyzing bone and cartilage parameters including weight, mineral content, density, and histology.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SAS general linear model procedure.

Main Results:

• In ovo feeding combined with dietary supplementation significantly increased femur proximal epiphysis cartilage weight.
• Optimal bone mineral composition and density were observed in broilers receiving either in ovo feeding without post-hatch supplementation or uninjected eggs with post-hatch supplementation.
• In ovo feeding alone reduced chondrocyte numbers and increased osteocyte numbers in specific tibial regions, indicating altered bone remodeling.

Conclusions:

• Both in ovo feeding and dietary supplementation with glycosaminoglycans and vitamin C positively influence broiler bone and cartilage development.
• These nutritional interventions show promise in addressing skeletal problems commonly encountered in broiler production.
• The study highlights the potential of early-life nutritional strategies for enhancing poultry skeletal health.