Effect of in Ovo Injection of Optimized Nano-Scale Zero-Valent Iron on Embryonic Growth and Quality of Broiler Chicks (ROSS 308 Strains)

Low-consumption minerals, such as iron, are essential for embryonic growth and development and post-hatch growth. Therefore, to achieve the best quality of embryonic and chick growth, it is useful to study these minerals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of in ovo injection of optimized nano-scale zero-valent iron on optimal embryonic growth, hatching rate, chick quality, and carcass characteristics.

In the present study, 500 eggs of 308 strains, after numbering and weighing, were placed in a completely randomized design with four treatments, five replicates and 25 eggs per each replicate. Treatments were: 1- Control one (without injection); 2- Control two (injection of ethanol, ascorbic acid and starch); 3- Injection of 2500 ppm nano zero-valent iron; 4- Injection of 5000 ppm nano zero-valent iron. The volume of injection was 50 μl and into the yolk. Then, the eggs were placed in the incubator (37.5 C and 61% humidity). At the end of the incubation period, the percentage of hatching and the quality of the chicks were checked. Infertile eggs and the eggs with a dead embryo were also transferred to the laboratory for examination of embryonic mortality. The hatched chicks were transferred to the farm and, after seven days of rearing, were weighed and blood taken from their hearts to measure some blood parameters. From each treatment, nine birds were selected and slaughtered to study carcass characteristics (drumstick, breast, liver, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum). Data were analyzed using the general Linear Model procedures of SAS 9.1.

The results showed that nano-scale zero-valent iron injection decreased hatching rate, but did not affect the quality of the chicks and also, liver and duodenum weights increased significantly (P<0.05). Blood glucose concentration showed a significant increase compared to control groups (P<0.05). Other parameters were not affected by the experimental treatments.

According to the findings of this study, it is recommended that injections below 2500 ppm be injected and examined, and these results can be a reason for the high concentration of injectable concentrations and their adverse effects.