Effect of in ovo betaine-hydrochloride supplementation on hatchability, chick quality and organ weights of broiler chicks

Abstract

A study was carried out to assess the effect of supplementation of betaine-hydrochloride in ovo on hatchability, chick quality, and early post-hatch organ development of broiler chicks. A total of 425 fertile eggs of Marshall strain at 18 days of incubation were allotted to five treatments: untreated control, saline control, and betaine-hydrochloride at 5, 10 and 15 mg. Hatchability, chick quality (chick length and rectal temperature) and chick weight were assessed on hatch day. On days 0, 7 and 14 after hatching, sampled chicks were slaughtered and dissected. Visceral and humoral organs were weighed and measured to calculate relative weight change. In ovo betaine supplementation increased hatchability and rectal temperature in betaine-hydrochloride supplemented chicks compared with the untreated control (P ≤ 0.05), but had no significant effect on chick length. Significant polynomial responses also observed for the absolute and relative weight of organs at days 0 and 7. Between days 0 and 14, the change in relative weight of the breast was significantly higher in chicks treated with 10 mg betaine-hydrochloride compared with those on the untreated control (P ≤ 0.05). Feeding betaine-hydrochloride in ovo improved hatchability and chick quality, while its effects on the weights of organs were apparent and variable.