Abstract

In ovo supplementation of nutrients is emerging as an innovative technique and can be used to enhance the productivity of broiler chicken. Mineral supplementation in ovo can benefit the embryonic development in the later stage. In ovo inoculation with nanoparticles of minerals will help in exploring the potential of nanotechnology in embryonic nutrition. It may improve the overall health and performance of broiler chicks post-hatch. This study has been proposed to investigate the impact of in ovo and post hatch oral supplementation of nano copper (CuNP) and nano zinc (ZnNP) on the hatchability of broiler hatching eggs and the body weight of chicks at hatch and up to two weeks of age. Six hundred eggs were procured, candled, sorted and randomly allotted into seven treatment groups with 80 eggs each. At the 18th day of incubation the control group was in ovo inoculated with normal saline. Two treatment groups were in ovo inoculated with 0.5 ml of nano copper solution (12 μg/egg), one without and other with post hatch oral supplementation (T2 and T4, respectively). T3 group was not in ovo inoculated but supplemented orally. Similarly, two treatment groups were in ovo inoculated with nano zinc solution (80 μg/egg), one without and another with oral supplementation post hatch (T5 and T7, respectively). T6 group was orally supplemented nano zinc solution. Results of the study indicate that hatchability rates were not adversely influenced by in ovo supplementation. The day-old body weight of chicks was also not affected showing no significant difference between treatment groups subjected to in ovo supplementation.

Keywords : Poultry, Broiler, Hatchability, In Ovo, Copper nanoparticles, Zinc nanoparticles