Physiology, Endocrinology, and Reproduction: Physiology II

Previous investigations have confirmed the potential effectiveness of various metabolic stimulants and physiological salt solutions in supporting broiler embryogenesis. The current study investigated the effects of the same solutions on chick posthatch performance and tissue nutrient profiles. In the first of 2 trials, 200 μL each of a (i) 0.18 mM carbohydrate electrolyte nutrient (CEN) solution, (ii) 5 mM tripotassium citrate solution, and (iii) 1 mM creatine solution were tested in conjunction with 5.5 mM potassium chloride. In the second trial, 1.0 mM theophylline was tested as an additive to all the above treatment solutions. In both trials, a sham-injected 117 mM sodium chloride and a noninjected group were used as treatment controls. All the treatment solutions were in ovo-injected on Day 18 of incubation using an AviTech IntellilabTM injector. Chicks were weighed and tissue samples collected on Days 3 and 10 posthatch. Liver nutrient contents (glucose, glycogen, protein, and fat) and blood plasma profiles (refractive index, protein, triglycerides, glucose, and calcium) were also analyzed. The metabolic stimulant solutions used for in ovo injection did not produce any detrimental effects on the general liveability and overall performance of the broiler chicks. However, across all treatments, liver protein and fat concentrations increased and decreased, respectively, between Days 3 and 10 posthatch. Liver glucose concentration was increased by tripotassium citrate and liver moisture content was decreased by CEN. Nevertheless, CEN and sodium chloride increased plasma refractive index and, except for the potassium chloride/creatine solution, liver glycogen content was reduced by all injected solutions.