Effect of in ovo injection of chitosan on hatchability, subsequent performance and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens

In the current study, the effect of in ovo administration of the chitosan on hatching performance, post-hatch broiler growth performance and antioxidative capacity were investigated. A total of 270 fertile eggs [(Ross 308; broiler breeders age 34weeks; average weight (61.96 ±62.30g)] were divided into four groups: negative control (untouched), positive control (only puncture), positive control (0.5 ml; 0.85% saline solution/egg), or chitosan (0.5 ml; 10 mg chitosansolution/egg in 0.85% saline). Experimental preparations were injected into eggs 17 days of incubation period. Results showed that hatching parameters negatively affected by in ovo chitosan injection. The performance parameters did not affect by in ovo chitosan but the weight of bursa fabricus decreased. Serum concentrations of arylesterase and cholesterol were decreased by chitosan group than controls. The results obtained present study suggests that the in ovo chitosan injection negatively affected hatchability properties, antioxidative capacity of broilers and cholesterol levels was lowered by in ovo chitosan injection.