Effect of In Ovo Injection of Isoquinoline Alkaloids on broiler chicken hatchability, post-hatch Performance, and gut micro-biome
In ovo feeding, where beneficial substances are injected into bird eggs before hatching, is a novel technique to improve poultry health and productivity. In this study, we explored the effects of injecting isoquinoline alkaloids (IQ), natural plant compounds known for their antibacterial and immune-boosting properties, into chicken eggs. We aimed to determine whether this approach could improve chick survival, growth, and gut health. Our results showed that injecting IQ did not negatively affect hatchability or chick body temperature. Interestingly, chicks that received the injection gained more weight early in life and had higher levels of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus. These findings suggest that injecting IQ into eggs could be a natural and effective way to support early growth and improve gut health in chickens, potentially offering a safer alternative to antibiotics in poultry farming.