The effect of in ovo injection of grape seed extract and vitamin C on hatchability, performance, and intestinal microbial count of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of In ovo feeding of grape seed extract (GSE) and vitamin C on hatchability, performance, microbial count of ileal digesta, and weight of lymphatic organs of broiler chickens during starter and grower period. The first study was carried out in a randomized block design with 7 treatments, 5 blocks, and 98 eggs per block. Experimental treatments included: Control (no puncture), Control (punctured), Sham control (0.5 ml saline), 3 mg vitamin C, 3, 4.5 or 6 mg GSE. In ovo feeding of 4.5 mg GSE caused higher hatchability compared to control groups. In the second experiment the hatched chicks of the first trail were reared in a completely randomized design with 5 replicates and 8 chicks per each up to 22 d. The results showed that in ovo injection of 4.5, 6 mg GSE or 3 mg vitamin C per egg increased GPx concentration in chicks hemolysate. In ovo feeding of 4.5 mg GSE or 3 mg vitamin C per egg increased the chicks body weight gain compared to control groups during starter period. In ovo injection of different levels of GSE or vitamin C decreased E. Coli count in ileum contents at 10 d