Evaluation of d 18 in ovo administration of soursop (Annona muricata) leaf extract into the air space on hatch performance and physiology of Noiler chicks.

Efficient poultry production can be accomplished using combined technologies. A combination of in ovo and ethno-veterinary technologies can deliver significant benefits, including reduced labour and production costs. This study evaluated the effect of in ovo administration of soursop leaf extract (SLE) on the hatching performance and physiology of Noiler chicks. A total of 550 eggs were incubated, and 460 fertile eggs were randomly distributed into 4 groups with 3 replicates on the 18th d of incubation. The eggs were then injected with 0.75 µg SLE, 1.5 µg SLE, and saline solution (negative control) at a rate of 0.2 ml in the air space. The noninjected group served as the positive control. At the end of the hatching period, the various groups were evaluated for embryo mortality, hatchability, hatch duration, organ weight, serum biochemistry, and chick quality. The results showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in embryonic mortality, hatchability, organ weight, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and glucose among the treatment groups. However, chick weight, chick quality, and serum triglyceride levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the extract-injected group. Additionally, incubation and hatch times were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the SLE group compared to the other groups. In ovo administration of soursop leaf extract resulted in reduced incubation duration, hatch time, and embryo mortality. In conclusion, the in ovo injection of SLE improved hatch performance and chick quality.

In ovo effect of Soursop (Annona muricata L.) leaf extract on hatching and post-hatch performance of Noiler chickens.

Pharmacological and nutritional benefits of plant leaf extracts can be harnessed to address the problem of poor chick quality, performance and high mortality, which affect both hatchery and farm managers. This study sought to evaluate the in ovo effect of Soursop leaf extract (SLE) on the hatching and post-hatch performance of Noiler chicks. A total of 640 fertile eggs were randomly distributed into four groups of five replicates: (0.25 µg SLE), (0.5 µg SLE), (0.75 µg SLE) and a non-injected control. On day 18 of incubation, 0.2 ml of SLE was injected into the airspace of the eggs. At hatch, embryonic mortality, hatchability, and chick quality were evaluated. Hatched chicks were reared to assess feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality. Results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in embryonic mortality, hatchability and weight gain among the treatment groups. Chick weight and feed intake were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in SLE groups, while FCR and mortality were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in SLE groups. It was concluded that in ovo injection of SLE improved chick weights, feed conversion and livability of Noiler chicks.