Effect of in ovo copper injection on body weight, immune response, blood biochemistry and carcass traits of broiler chicks at 35 days of age

The current study was conducted to investigate effects of copper (sulfate, acetate and nano) in ovo injection at 10 days of the embryogenesis period on body weight (BW), immunity, biochemical parameters and carcass traits of broiler chicks at 35 days of age. A total number of 462 fertile eggs were used in seven groups, each group containing 66 eggs in three replicates. The experimental design was as follows: the group 1 as a control, while groups 2, 3 and 4 injected with 8 mu g/egg of Cu sulfate, Cu acetate and nano Cu, respectively, and groups 5, 6 and 7 injected with 16 mu g/egg of Cu sulfate, Cu acetate and nano Cu, respectively. Results stated that BW was increased in Cu-injected groups, except groups of Cu acetate, but plasma constituents, carcass and relative weight of organs did not affect. Cu level (8 mu g/egg) had better results than Cu level (16 mu g/egg). No differences between among groups in relative weights of spleen and bursa and immune response. In conclusion, it is recommended that in ovo injection of different sources of Cu can augment the BW and did not harmfully affect immunity, carcass traits and biochemical parameters of broiler chicks.

Automated summary

In ovo injection of copper during embryogenesis can increase body weight of broiler chicks without adversely affecting immunity, carcass traits, and biochemical parameters. A lower level of copper (8 μg/egg) yielded better results compared to a higher level (16 μg/egg).