In-ovo nutrition: Optimizing chelated mineral dosage for enhanced immunity, nutrient transport, and embryonic growth in broiler chicken eggs

Administration of chelated minerals in ovo during the embryonic growth is a strategic approach to enhance chick’s immune system and physiological status, enabling better resilience against stressors and contributing to improved overall health and the ability to combat challenges. The project rationale stems from the existing knowledge gap regarding the precise concentrations of essential chelated minerals, namely zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn), crucial for embryonic health and development. The scientific inquiry driving this study revolves around determining the optimal doses that positively influence immune response, nutrient transport mechanisms, and embryonic growth.

240 fertilized broiler chicken eggs were randomly distributed among 13 treatment groups. Treatments comprises of a control group and four different doses of each pertinent mineral, administered into the amnion. The eggs were incubated at 38°C with relative humidity of 60%. On embryonic day 15, following candling, non-fertilized eggs were eliminated, and the amnion site was identified on each viable egg for subsequent mineral injection into the amniotic cavity. The eggs were then returned to the incubator. On days 2 and 5 post-injection, eggs were opened through the air sac, facilitating the assessment of developmental parameters, including embryo viability and then the embryos were humanely euthanized, and tissue samples were collected from the liver, spleen, and intestines.

Currently, we are processing tissue samples for RNA extraction using the triazole method. Subsequent analysis involves RT-PCR to quantify gene expression levels, focusing on immunerelated genes (IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-22, IL-4), nutrient-transporter genes (PepT1, SGLT1, GLUT5), stress-response genes (SOD, GPX1, HSP70), and growth-related genes (GH, IGF-1, IGF-2).