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In ovo probiotic supplementation supports hatchability and improves hatchling quality in broilers
Mairui Gao1, Yuying Ren1, Si Lu1
1Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
Poultry Science
|March 29, 2024
Summary
In ovo probiotic spray application significantly improved broiler hatchability and hatchling quality. This early-life programming enhanced chick growth and overall performance, demonstrating the benefits of probiotics in poultry production.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Animal Nutrition
- Microbiology
Background:
- Embryonic development is crucial for broiler productivity, influencing hatchability, quality, and posthatch performance.
- Probiotics offer a promising strategy for early-life programming to enhance broiler health and growth.
- Optimizing embryonic development is key to maximizing broiler potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of In ovo probiotic spray application on broiler hatchability and hatchling quality.
- To assess the effects of specific probiotic strains on embryonic development and posthatch performance.
- To determine if In ovo probiotic supplementation can improve broiler growth and overall productivity.
Main Methods:
- A completely randomized study with two independent trials involving 540 Ross 308 broiler eggs per trial.
- Eggs were sprayed with either phosphate buffered saline (control) or probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus NRRL B-442 or Lactobacillus paracasei DUP 13076) during incubation.
- Hatchability, hatchling quality (Tona and Pasgar scores), morphometric measurements, and 3-week posthatch growth were assessed.
Main Results:
- In ovo probiotic supplementation positively affected hatchability and hatchling quality.
- Lactobacillus paracasei DUP 13076 spray application increased hatchability by approximately 5% without impacting hatch spread.
- Both Lactobacillus strains significantly improved hatchling quality scores and increased hatchling weight, yolk-free-body-mass, and posthatch growth.
Conclusions:
- In ovo probiotic application is an effective strategy to enhance broiler hatchability and hatchling quality.
- Early-life probiotic programming through In ovo spray positively influences subsequent broiler growth and performance.
- The study demonstrates the significant benefits of using specific Lactobacillus strains for In ovo broiler management.
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