Influence of In-Ovo B-group Vitamin Administration on Postnatal Growth and Immunity in Replacement Pullets of the Hisex Brown Cross

Purpose: In ovo nutrient administration is a promising strategy for poultry improvement. In this study, the effects of B vitamins in ovo injected into the pocket of air of the eggs of the hybrid breed Hisex Brown on the 14th day of incubation were evaluated. Research Method: Fertilized eggs (n = 810, m = 63.8 ± 0.4) were divided into six groups: a control group (no vitamin, only sterile water injection) and groups treated with thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), pyridoxine (B6), Cyancobalamin (B12), and folic acid (Bc). The age of the hens whose eggs were used for the experiment was 42 weeks. The hatchability of eggs, growth traits of birds, reproductive organs (mass and length of oviduct, weight of ovary), immune system organs (bursa of Fabricius, spleen, thymus), and natural resistance indices (bactericidal, lysozyme, and phagocytic activities) of pullets (17 weeks of age) were assessed.
Findings and Values: The hatchability of eggs was 3.70% higher in the B12 group, 2.96% higher in the B6 group, and 2.22% higher in the B1 and B2 groups than in the control group. The weight of day-old chicks (T1- p < 0.01) and body weight of birds at 17 weeks (T1, T3, T4, T5- p < 0.01; T2- p < 0.05) in the experimental groups reliably exceeded those in the control. The formation of reproductive organs in replacement pullets differed among groups. The B1, B2, and Bc groups exhibited the most efficient immune system organ formation (p < 0.05). The mass of the bursa of Fabricius in these groups significantly exceeded that of the control group (p < 0.01). Treatment with B6 and Bc had the most significant effect on the thymus weight (p < 0.05). In all experimental groups, natural resistance was improved, as evidenced by increases in bactericidal, lysozyme, and phagocytic activity. In ovo injection with B-group vitamins increased the hatchability, growth indices, reproductive organ development, immunity, and natural resistance of pullets.