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Albumen glucose utilization during embryogenesis and the effects of in ovo glucose supplementation in broiler hatching eggs

Abstract

Egg albumen glucose (AG) utilization during embryogenesis in broiler hatching eggs was investigated. The AG concentration of fertile eggs was measured daily from 0 to 4 days during storage and at 0, 4, 8, 10, 12, and 14 days of incubation (DOI). Furthermore, effects of in ovo injection of exogenous glucose at 0 DOI on embryogenesis was evaluated. Injected eggs received albumen with or without supplemental glucose. Non-injected (C) and sham-injected (S) eggs served as controls. Eggs in the S treatment group received a 100 µL volume of albumen, and those in a G2 treatment group also received a 100 µL volume of albumen but was supplemented with a high level (0.90 mg) of added exogenous glucose. Eggs that received a low level (0.45 mg) of supplemental exogenous glucose (G1) received 50 µL of the supplemented G2 albumen. Each egg in the S, G1, and G2 treatments received 0.30, 0.45, and 0.90 mg of glucose, respectively. At 8, 12, and 18 DOI, absolute whole egg weight, relative internal egg and wet and dry embryo weights, and embryo moisture content were determined. At 21.5 DOI, absolute chick weight; and relative yolk sac and liver weights were determined. Percentage egg weight loss (PEWL) between 0 and 14 DOI, and hatchability of fertile eggs (HF) at 21.5 DOI were determined for each treatment group. The AG concentration of eggs did not change between 0 and 4 days of storage, but decreased significantly between 0 and 4, and 4 and 8 DOI. Egg injection at 0 DOI decreased HF but had no significant effect on 0 to 14 DOI PEWL. The G2 treatment also counteracted a decrease in relative wet and dry embryo weights at 18 DOI that occurred in response to the S and G1 treatments. Although in ovo injection at 0 DOI was detrimental to HF, injection of the G2 level of exogenous glucose alleviated the adverse effects of the injection of a 100 µL volume of albumen on embryogenesis.

E. David Peebles and Mickey A. Latour

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