“Does In ovo delivery of probiotic affect hatch and growth performance, and intestinal functionality in broiler chickens?”

As the poultry industry recedes from the use of antibiotic growth promoters, the need to evaluate the efficacy of possible alternatives and the delivery method that maximizes their effectiveness arises. This study aimed at expounding knowledge on the effect of the delivery method of a probiotic product (Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract) on performance and gut parameters in broiler chickens. 

A total of 500 fertile eggs sourced from Cobb 500 broiler breeders were randomly allotted to 3 groups: in ovo probiotic, in ovo saline and non-injection and incubated for 21 days. On day 18.5 of incubation, 200 μl of either probiotic (10 million CFU) or saline was injected into the amnion. At hatch, chicks were re-allotted to 6 new treatment groups: in ovo probiotic, in ovo saline, in-feed antibiotics, in-water probiotics, in-feed probiotics and negative control (NC; Corn-wheat-soybean diet) in 6 replicate cages (n=7) and raised for 28 days. 

Results showed treatments did not affect all hatch performance parameters and the incidence of Necrotic enteritis on d 28 (P > 0.05). Irrespective of delivery method, probiotics increased body weight, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio, relative to the NC treatment at d 0-21 (P > 0.05). At d 22-28, in-feed antibiotics treatment recorded higher mortality relative to other treatments (P=0.05). Ileum villus width of the in ovo probiotic treatment was 18% higher than the in ovo saline group (P=0.05), but not statistically higher than other groups. Jejunum villus height was 23% higher (P=0.00) in the in ovo probiotic group compared to the NC group. There was no effect of treatment on total cecal short-chain fatty acid concentration (P > 0.05). 

Conclusively, the probiotic improved growth performance of broiler chickens, regardless of delivery method. In ovo delivery of the product enhanced intestinal morphology, without compromising hatch and growth performance. 

Key words: in ovo, probiotics, performance, broiler chicken

Published in the proceedings of the Animal Nutrition Conference of Canada 2020. For information on the event, past and future editions, check out https://animalnutritionconference.ca/.