In ovo effect of Soursop (Annona muricata L.) leaf extract on hatching and post-hatch performance of Noiler chickens

Pharmacological and nutritional benefits of plant leaf extracts can be harnessed to address the problem of poor chick quality, performance and high mortality, which affect both hatchery and farm managers. This study sought to evaluate the in ovo effect of Soursop leaf extract (SLE) on the hatching and post-hatch performance of Noiler chicks. A total of 640 fertile eggs were randomly distributed into four groups of five replicates: (0.25 µg SLE), (0.5 µg SLE), (0.75 µg SLE) and a non-injected control. On day 18 of incubation, 0.2 ml of SLE was injected into the airspace of the eggs. At hatch, embryonic mortality, hatchability, and chick quality were evaluated. Hatched chicks were reared to assess feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality. Results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in embryonic mortality, hatchability and weight gain among the treatment groups. Chick weight and feed intake were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in SLE groups, while FCR and mortality were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in SLE groups. It was concluded that in ovo injection of SLE improved chick weights, feed conversion and livability of Noiler chicks.