Dosage Optimization of Methionine and Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract for In ovo Feeding in Japanese Quails
Pravin, R. *
Department of Poultry Science, Madras Veterinary College, TANUVAS, Chennai-7, India.
K. Sangilimadan
Poultry Research Station, Madhavaram Milk Colony, TANUVAS, Chennai – 51, India.
S. T. Selvan
Poultry Research Station, Madhavaram Milk Colony, TANUVAS, Chennai – 51, India.
R. Karunakaran
Department of Animal Nutrition, Madras Veterinary College, TANUVAS, Chennai-7, India.
R. Richard Churchil
Department of Poultry Science, Madras Veterinary College, TANUVAS, Chennai-7, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
An experiment was conducted to optimize the dosage of methionine and Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) for In ovo administration in Japanese quails, based on hatchability, chick weight, and early post-hatch viability. On day 14 of incubation, 700 live embryonated eggs were injected with 0.1 mL of either normal saline (T1); methionine at 1.5 mg (T2), 2 mg (T3), or 2.5 mg (T4); or MOLE at 10 µg (T5), 20 µg (T6), or 30 µg (T7). Hatchability, chick weight, and mortality up to 7 days of post-hatch were recorded. The results indicated that the hatchability differed significantly (P<0.05), with the highest values in T3 (85.00%) and T4 (84.00%). MOLE at 10 µg (T5) resulted in the lowest hatchability (65.00%). Chick weight varied significantly (P<0.01), with T6 (9.18 g) producing the heaviest chicks and T7 (8.41 g) the lightest. Post-hatch mortality was lowest in the saline and methionine groups (5.06–9.52%) and highest in T5 and T6 (21.54% and 20.27%, respectively). Overall, methionine at 2.5 mg and MOLE at 30 µg per egg were identified as safe doses for In ovo injection in Japanese quails, without compromising hatchability or early chick survival.
Keywords: In ovo feeding, quail, methionine, Moringa leaf extract, hatchability, chick weight, post-hatch mortality