Effects of in ovo injection of naringin into fertile broiler chicken eggs on hatchability and hatchling weight and length
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4314/sajas.v55i7.03Keywords:
broiler, chicken, chick length, hatchability, in ovo injection, naringinAbstract
Naringin is an important flavonoid found in the fruit or peels of fruit from species of the Rutaceae family, such as grapefruit. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of in ovo naringin injection on hatchability, hatchling weight, and hatchling length. A total of 180 fertilised Ross 308 broiler eggs were purchased from broiler flocks and randomly assigned to control (no in ovo injection), negative control (injection of 0.1 mL deionised water), and naringin (injection of 15 mg naringin in 0.1 mL deionised water) treatment groups. The eggs were incubated at 37.5 °C and 56% relative humidity and in ovo injections were made on the 18th day of incubation. Data were analysed using SPSS version 13.0, with the chi-square test used to determine the effects on hatchability, and hatchling weight and length compared using analysis of variance. The hatchability rates of the eggs in the control, negative control, and naringin treatment groups were 83.3%, 80%, and 88.3%, respectively, indicating that 15 mg naringin provided a 6% increase in hatchability. Hatchling weights were 46.26 g, 46.83 g, and 46.56 g, and hatchling lengths were 16.95 cm, 17.17 cm, and 17.28 cm, in the control, negative control, and naringin groups, respectively. In ovo injection with naringin insignificantly decreased hatchling weight, while significantly increasing hatchling length and insignificantly increasing hatchability compared to the control group. Additional research is needed to determine the most effective naringin level to obtain optimum results from in ovo injection during the incubation process.
Submitted 9 July 2024; Accepted 14 July 2025; Published 25 July 2025
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Significance of research to South African science
The article “Effects of in ovo injection of naringin on hatchability, antioxidant status, intestinal morphology, and growth performance in broiler chicks” by Peşmen (2025) provides valuable insights for South African poultry science, particularly in the search for natural, growth-promoting alternatives to antibiotics. Naringin, a flavonoid derived from citrus, was found to enhance chick development, intestinal health, and antioxidant capacity when administered before hatching. This research is relevant for South African producers seeking sustainable strategies to improve poultry health and productivity while complying with evolving regulations on antibiotic use. It supports innovation in hatchery management and contributes to safer, more efficient poultry production aligned with both national food security goals and global consumer trends.
References
Abdulqader, A.F.A., Olgun, O., & Yıldız, A.Ö., 2017. In ovo besleme. Hayvansal Üretim, 58(2):58–65. DOI: 10.29185/hayuretim.338989
Abdulqader, A.F., Aygün, A., Maman, A.H., & Olgun, O., 2018. The effect of in-ovo injection of Lactobacilla rhamnosus on hatching traits and growth parameters of quails. Selcuk Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, 32(2):174–178. DOI: 10.15316/SJAFS.2018.82
Alsadoon, M.K.K. & Aygün, A., 2022. Effects of in ovo application of resveratrol on hatchability, hatching time, yolk sac weight and chick performance in quail. Poultry Studies, 19(1):19–24.
Al-Shamery, N.J. & Al-Shuhaib, M.B.S., 2015. Effect of in ovo injection of various nutrients on the hatchability, mortality ratio and weight of the broiler chickens. IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, 8(1 Ver. II):30–33. DOI: 10.9790/2380-08123033
Arain, M.A., Nabi, F., Shah, Q.A., Alagawany, M., Fazlani, S.A., Khalid, M., Soomro, F., Khand, F.M. & Farag, M.R., 2022. The role of early feeding in improving performance and health of poultry: herbs and their derivatives. World's Poultry Science Journal, 78(2):499–513. DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2022.2043133
Bao, T., Yao, J., Zhou, S., Ma, Y., Dong, J., Zhang, C., & Mi, Y., 2022. Naringin prevents follicular atresia by inhibiting oxidative stress in the aging chicken. Poultry Science, 101(7). DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101891
Beck, C.N., McDaniel, C.D., Wamsley, K.G., & Kiess, A.S., 2019. The potential for inoculating Lactobacillus animalis and Enterococcus faecium alone or in combination using commercial in ovo technology without negatively impacting hatch and post-hatch performance. Poultry Science, 98(12):7050–7062. DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez441
Cavia-Saiz, M., Busto, M.D., Pilar‐Izquierdo, M.C., Ortega, N., Perez‐Mateos, M., & Muñiz, P., 2010. Antioxidant properties, radical scavenging activity and biomolecule protection capacity of flavonoid naringenin and its glycoside naringin: A comparative study. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 90:1238–1244. DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.3959
Coşkun, İ., Erener, G., Şahin, A., Karadavut, U., Altop, A., & Ağma Okur, A., 2014a. Impacts of in ovo feeding of DL-methionine on hatchability and chick weight. Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 2(1):47–50. DOI: 10.24925/turjaf.v2i1.47-50.64
Coşkun, İ., Çayan, H., Yılmaz, Ö., Taskın, A., Tahtabiçen, E., & Samli, H.E., 2014b. Effects of in ovo pollen extract injection to fertile broiler eggs on hatchability and subsequent chick weight. Türk Tarım ve Doğa Bilimleri 33 Dergisi, 1(4):485–489.
Coşkun, İ., Korkmaz, F., Altop, A., Cayan, H., Filik, G., Sahin A., Samli, H.E., & Erener, G., 2017. The effects of in ovo pollen extract injection on growth parameters, ileal histomorphology and caecal microflora in fasted broiler chicks. Indian Journal of Animal Research, 51(6):1033–1037.
Dong, X., Jiang, Y., Wang, M., Wang, Y., & Zou, X., 2013. Effects of in ovo feeding of carbohydrates on hatchability, body weight, and energy status in domestic pigeons (Columba livia). Poultry Science, 92(8):2118–2123. DOI: 10.3382/ps.2013-03091
El-Hady, H.A., Hamady, G.A.A., Abu-Taleb, A.M., & Abdel-Moneim, A.E., 2024. Influence of dietary naringin supplementation on productive performance and some blood parameters of broiler. Al-Azhar Journal of Agricultural Research, 49(1).
Ferket, P.R., Foye, O., De Oliveira, J., Tako, E., & Uni, Z., 2005. In ovo nutrition: Impact on gene expression, gut development and growth performance. In: Proceedings of Arkansas Annual Animal Nutrition Conference Arkansas USA. pp. 147–150.
Gagic, M., Hill, C.St., & Sharma J.M., 1999. In ovo vaccination of specific-pathogen free chickens with vaccines containing multiple antigens. Avian Diseases, 43:293–301.
Gharahveysi, S. & Kenari, T.A., 2018. Compare the chick length and weights of the Ross broiler breeder in different ages and farms. Egyptian Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 49(1):43–47. DOI: 10.21608/ejvs.2018.3069.1030
Groff-Urayama, P., Padilha, J., Einsfeld, S., Pertile, S., Gorges, M., Andrade, M., Domenico, A., Midori Maeda, E., Takahashi, S., & Plaizier, J., 2019. Performance, intestinal morphometry, and incubation parameters of broiler chickens submitted to in ovo feeding with different techniques and amino acids. Canadian Journal of Animal Science, 99(4):732–740. DOI: 10.1139/CJAS-2018-0131
Goliomytis, M., Kartsonas, N., Charismiadou, M.A., Symeon, G.K., Simitzis, P.E., & Deligeorgis, S.G., 2015. The influence of naringin or hesperidin dietary supplementation on broiler meat quality and oxidative stability. PLOS One, 10:e0141652. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141652
Goliomytis, M., Simitzis, P., Papalexi,A., Veneti, N., Hager-Theodorides, A.L., Charismiadou, M.A., & Deligeorgis, S.G., 2019. Influence of citrus flavonoids on laying hen performance, inflammatory immune response, egg quality and yolk oxidative stability. Nutrition and Metabolism, 60(3):272–278.
Guimarães, R., Barros, L., Barreira, J.C.M., Sousa, M.J., Carvalho, A.M., & Ferreira, I.C.F.R., 2010. Targeting excessive free radicals with peels and juices of citrus fruits: Grapefruit, lemon, lime and orange. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 48:99–106. DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2009.09.022
Hamady, G.A.A.A.M., 2024. Influence of dietary naringin supplementation on productive performance and some blood parameters of broiler. Al-Azhar Journal of Agricultural Research, 49(1):166–176. DOI: 10.21608/AJAR.2024.247595.1293
Hager-Theodorides, A.L., Massouras, T., Simitzis, P.E., Moschou, K., Zoidis, E., Sfakianaki, E., Politi, K., Charismiadou, M., Goliomytis, M., & Deligeorgis, S., 2021. Hesperidin and naringin improve broiler meat fatty acid profile and modulate the expression of genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation and antioxidant defense in a dose dependent manner. Foods, 10:739. DOI: 10.3390/foods10040739
Hajati, H., Hassanabadi, A., Golian, A., Nassiri-Moghaddam, H., & Nassiri, M.R., 2014. The effect of in ovo injection of grape seed extract and vitamin C on hatchability, antioxidant activity, yolk sac absorption, performance and ileal micro flora of broiler chickens. Research Opinions in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 4:633–638.
Hazim, J.A-D. & Salih, A.M., 2012. The influence of dietary arginine supplementation on blood traits of broiler chickens. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 11:258–264. DOI: 10.3923/pjn.2012.258.264
Hristakieva, S.P., Oblakova, M., Mncheva, N., Lalev, M., & Kaliasheva, K., 2017. Phenotypic correlations between the egg weight, shape of egg, shell thickness, weight loss and hatchling weight of turkey. Slovak. Journal of Animal Science, 50(2):90–94.
Inci, H., Karakaya, E., Şengül, T., & Söğut B., 2014. Bingöl ilinde kanatlı eti tüketiminin yapısı. Turk Tarım ve Doğa Bilimleri Dergisi, 1(1):17–24.
Inci, H., Ozdemir, G., Sogut, B., Sengul, A.Y., Sengul, T., & Taysi, M.R., 2016. Comparison of growth performance and carcass traits of Japanese quails reared in conventional, pasture, and organic conditions. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, 45(1):8–15. DOI: 10.1590/S1806-92902016000100002
Jiang, X., Li, A., Wang, Y., Iqbal, M., Waqas, M., Yang, H., Li, Z., Mehmood, K., Qamar, H., & Li, J., 2020. Ameliorative effect of naringin against thiram-induced tibial dyschondroplasia in broiler chicken. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27:11337–11348. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-07732-5
Johnston, P.A., Liu, H., O’Connell, T., Phelps, P., Bland, M., Tyczkowski, J., Kemper, A., Harding, T., Avakian, A., Haddad, E., Whitfill, C., Gildersleeve, R., & Ricks, C.A., 1997. Applications in in ovo technology. Poultry Science, 76:165–178.
Joshua, P.P., Valli, C., & Balakrishnan, V., 2016. Effect of in ovo supplementation of nano forms of zinc, copper, and selenium on post-hatch performance of broiler chicken. Veterinary World, 9(3):287–294. DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.287-294
Kamanlı, S. & Durmuş, K., 2014. Civciv kalitesi değerlendirme yöntemleri ve civciv kalitesinin iyileştirilmesi konusundaki son yaklaşımlar. Tavukçuluk Araştırma Dergisi, 11(1):40–44.
Karimian, E., Tamm, C., Chagin, A.S., Samuelsson, K., Kjartansdóttir, K.R., Ohlsson, C., & Sävendahl, L., 2013. Resveratrol treatment delays growth plate fusion and improves bone growth in female rabbits. PLOS One, 8:67859. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067859
Khaligh, F., Hassanabadi, A., Nassiri‐Moghaddam, H., Golian, A., & Kalidari, G.A, 2018. Effects of in ovo injection of chrysin, quercetin and ascorbic acid on hatchability, somatic attributes, hepatic oxidative status and early post‐hatch performance of broiler chicks. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 102(1):e413-e420. DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12760
Lautraite, S., Musonda, A.C., Doehmer, J., Edwards, G.O., & Chipman, J.K., 2002. Flavonoids inhibit genetic toxicity produced by carcinogens in cells expressing CYP1A2 and CYP1A1. Mutagenesis, 17(1):45–53. DOI: 10.1093/mutage/17.1.45
Li, C., Zhang, J., Lv, F., Ge, X., & Li, G., 2018. Naringin protects against bone loss in steroid-treated inflammatory bowel disease in a rat model. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 650:22–29. DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2018.05.011
Maman, A.H., Aygün, A., Yildirim, İ., & Alsadoon, M.K.K., 2019. Effects of in ovo injection of D3 vitamin on hatchability and supply organ weights in quail hatching eggs. Journal of Bahri Dagdas Animal Research, 8(1):21–27
Meijerhof, R., 2009. The influence of incubation on chick quality and broiler performance. In: 20th Annual Australian Poultry Science Symposium. 9–11 February 2009, Sydney, New South Wales.
Molenaar R., Reijrink I., Meijerhof R., & Brand H.V.D., 2007. Relationship between chick length and chick weight at hatch and slaughter weight and breast meat yield in broilers. In: Proceedings of the 3rd Combined Workshop on Fundamental Physiology and Perinatal Development in Poultry. 5–10 October 2007, Berlin, Germany.
Mukhtar, N., Khan, S.H., & Anjum, M.S., 2013. Hatchling length is a potential chick quality parameter in meat type chickens. World’s Poultry Science Journal, 69(4):889–896. DOI: 10.1017/S0043933913000883
Moosanezhad, M., Salahi, A., & Mashayekhi, S., 2011. The best time for in ovo solution injection in old broiler breeder flock eggs. In: Proceedings of the XIV European Symposium on the Quality of Eggs and Egg Products, XX Symposium on the Quality of Poultry Meat. 4–8 September 2011, Leipzig, Germany.
Ncho, C.M., Goel, A., Jeong, C.M., Youssouf, M., & Choi, Y.H., 2021. In ovo injection of GABA can help body weight gain at hatch, increase chick weight to egg weight ratio, and improve broiler heat resistance. Animals, 11:1364. DOI: 10.3390/ani11051364
Ohta, Y., Kidd, M.T., & Ishibashi, T., 2001. Embryo growth and amino acid concentration profiles of broiler breeder eggs, embryos, and chicks after in ovo administration of amino acids. Poultry Science, 80:1430–1436. DOI: 10.1093/ps/80.10.1430
Oladokun, S. & Adewole, I. , 2020. In ovo delivery of bioactive substances: an alternative to the use of antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production—a review. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 29(3):744–763. DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2020.06.002
Park, J., Kang, S., Chu, G., & Jin, S., 2014. Growth performance, blood cell profiles, and meat quality properties of broilers fed with Saposhnikovia divaricata, Lonicera japonica, and Chelidonium majus extracts. Livestock Science, 165:87–94.
Patbandha, T.K., Garg, D.D., Marandi, S., Vaghamashi, D.G., Patil, S.S., & Savsani, H.H., 2017. Effect of chick weight and morphometric traits on growth performance of coloured broiler chicken. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 5(6):1278–1281.
Petek, M., Orman, A., Dikmen, S., & Alpay, F., 2008. Relations between day-old chick length and body weight in broiler, quail and layer. Bursa Uludag University Journal of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 27(1–2):25–28.
Pesmen, G., 2023. Research on the relations between some parameters for daily aged domestic goose chick. Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences, 16(4):100709. DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2023.100709
Ranjbar, Z., Torki, M., & Torshizi, K., 2019. In ovo injection of flavanone on bone quality characteristics, biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzyme status of blood in daily chicks. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 103:1418–1426. DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13132
Ricks, C.A., Avakian, A., Bryan, T., Gildersleeve, R., Haddad, E., Ilich, R., King, S., Murray, L., Phelps, P., Poston, R., Whitfill, C., & Williams, C., 1999. In ovo vaccination technology. Advances in Veterinary Medicine, 41:495–515. DOI: 10.1016/S0065-3519(99)80037-8
Sharma, J.M. & Burmester, B.R., 1984. Disease control in avian species by embryonal vaccination. U.S. Patent No. 4,458,630.
Shehata, A.M., Paswan, V.K., Attia, Y.A., Abdel-Moneim, A.M.E., Abougabal, M.S., Sharaf, M., Elmazoudy, R., Alghafari, W.T., Osman, M.A., Farag, M.R., & Alagawany, M., 2021. Managing gut microbiota through in ovo nutrition influences early-life programming in broiler chickens. Animals, 11:3491. DOI: 10.3390/ani11123491
Sklan, D., Heifetz, S., & Halevy, O., 2003. Heavier chicks at hatch improves marketing body weight by enhancing skeletal muscular growth. Poultry Science, 82:1778–1786. DOI: 10.3382/japr.2009-00038
Sözcü, A. & İpek, A., 2013. Kuluçka koşullarının Civciv kalitesi ve broiler Performansı Üzerine Etkileri. Uludağ Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi, 27(2):139–146.
SPSS Inc., 2004. SPSS 13.00 Computer Software. SPSS Inc, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Surai, P.F., 1999. Tissue‐specific changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes during the 953 development of the chicken embryo. British Poultry Science, 40:397–405.
Swarnkar, G., Sharan, K., Siddiqui, J.A., Mishra, J.S., Khan, K., Khan, M.P., & Chattopadhyay, N.A., 2012. Naturally occurring naringenin derivative exerts potent bone anabolic effects by mimicking oestrogen action on osteoblasts. British Journal of Pharmacology, 165:1526–1542. DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01637.x
Şentürk, E.T., Aygün, A., Olgun, O., & Yıldız, A.Ö., 2018. Effects of in-ovo injection of manganese on some organ weights and lengths in quail hatching eggs. Selcuk Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 32(3):345–348. DOI: 10.15316/SJAFS.2018.104
Şeremet, Ç., 2012. Civciv kalitesini etkileyen etmenler ve değerlendirme yöntemleri. Hayvansal Üretim, 53(1):38–43.
Tainika, B. & Şekeroğlu, A., 2020. In ovo feeding technology for optimization of incubation and hatching in broiler chickens. Turkish Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology, 8(sp1):183–186. DOI: 10.24925/turjaf.v8isp1.183-186.4086
Tangara, M., Chen, W., Xu, J., Huang, F., & Peng, J., 2010. Effects of in ovo feeding of carbohydrates and arginine on hatchability, body weight, energy metabolism and perinatal growth in duck embryos and neonates. British Poultry Science, 51(5):602–608. DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2010.520303
Tripoli, E., La Guardia, M., Giammanco, S., Di Majo, D., & Giammanco, M., 2007. Citrus flavonoids: Molecular structure, biological activity and nutritional properties: A review. Food Chemistry, 104:466–479. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.11.054
Türkoğlu, E.A., Kuzu, M., Ayasan, T., Inci, H., & Eratak, S.V., 2019. Inhibitory effects of some flavonoids on thioredoxin reductase purified from chicken liver. Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science, 21(2):1–7. DOI: 10.1590/1806-9061-2018-0982
Williams, C.J., 2007. In ovo vaccination for disease prevention. International Poultry Production, 15:7–9.
Williams, C.J., 2008. International Poultry Production. 15(8):7–9. http://pfizerglobalpoultry.com/articles/Pfizer_15_8.pdf.
Willemsen, H., Everaert, N., Witters, A., De Smit, L., Debonne, M., Verschuere, F., & Bruggema, V., 2008. Critical assessment of chick quality measurements as an indicator of posthatch performance. Poultry Science, 87:2358–2366. DOI: 10.3382/ps.2008-00095
Wolanski, N.J., Luiten, E., Meijerhof, R., & Vereijken, A.L.J., 2005. Yolk utilisation and chick length as parameters for embryo development. Avian and Poultry Biology Reviews, 15:233–239.
Wolanski, N., Renema, R., Robinson, F., Carney, V., & Fancher, B., 2006. Relationship between chick conformation and quality measures with early growth traits in males of eight selected pure or commercial broiler breeder strains. Poultry Science, 85:1490–1497. DOI: 10.1093/ps/85.8.1490
Wong, K-C., Pang, W-Y., Wang, X-L., Mok, S-K., Lai, W-P., Chow, H-K., Leung, P-C., Yao, X-S., & Wong, M-S., 2013. Drynaria fortunei-derived total flavonoid fraction and isolated compounds exert oestrogen-like protective effects in bone. British Journal of Nutrition, 110(3): 475–485. DOI: 10.1017/S0007114512005405.
Xu, Q.Q., Zhang, X.Y., Zou, X.T., & Dong, X.Y., 2019. Effects of in ovo injection of L-histidine on hatch performance and post-hatch development in domestic pigeons (Columba livia). Poultry Science, 98(8):3194–3203. DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez046
Zhai, W., Rowe, D.E., & Peebles, E.D., 2011. Effects of commercial in ovo injection of carbohydrates on broiler embryogenesis. Poultry Science, 90:1295–1301.
Zhu, Y., Li, S., Duan, Y., Ren, Z., Yang, X., & Yang, X., 2020. Effects of in ovo feeding of vitamin C on post-hatch performance, immune status and DNA methylation-related gene expression in broiler chickens. British Journal of Nutrition, 124(9):903–911. DOI: 10.1017/S000711452000210X
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 G Peşmen (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
- Abstract 219
- PDF 45
- XML 1
