IN OVO ADMINISTRATION OF BITTER GOURD (MOMORDICA CHARANTIA) LEAF EXTRACT IMPROVED THE HATCHING PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKS

Abstract

In ovo administration of substances with potent bioactivities is a novel approach to improving poultry welfare and performance. This study focused on assessing the effect of in ovo injection of Momordica charantia leaf extract (MLE) into fertile eggs on the hatching process and physiology of broiler chicks. A total of 536 fertile eggs were randomly distributed into 4 groups of 4 replicates on the 15th d of incubation. The eggs were then injected with 0.5 µg/ml MLE, 2.5 µg/ml MLE, and 12.5 µg/ml MLE in the air space. The noninjected group served as the control. At the end of the hatching period, each group was assessed for embryo mortality, hatchability, hatching duration, and serum antioxidant activity. The results showed that in ovo injection of MLE significantly increased (P < 0.05) hatchability, reduced embryo mortality. Serum antioxidant levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the extract-injected groups. Moreover, total incubation and hatch time were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the MLE-injected group compared to the control group. Overall, in ovo administration of momordica charantia leaf extract improved the hatching process and chick’s welfare with the implication of improving performance