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Effects of in ovo injection of Astragalus kahericus polysaccharide on early growth, carcass weights and blood metabolites in broiler chickens

Abstract This study aimed to determine the impact of in ovo Astragalus kahericus polysaccharide (AKP) injections on performance, carcass weights, and blood constituents in Cobb chicks. Un-sexed 1 day broiler chicks (250) were divided into five treatment groups with five replicates of 10 chicks per group. The groups were as follows: (1) negative control (without additive), (2) positive control (saline injection), (3) 1.5 mg AKP, (4) 3.0 mg AKP, and (5) 4.5 mg in ovo AKP injections. Apart from the control groups, no significant changes in body weight at 3 and 5 weeks of age, and daily weight gains during 0–3 weeks of age were detected among the treatment groups. Daily feed consumption was decreased in AKP groups, while feed conversion ratio was improved with AKP when compared to the PC. AKP injections significantly altered the lipid profile parameters, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, and very low-density lipoproteins in the plasma (p < 0.05); but there were no statistical differences in HDL (p > 0.001). AKP injections significantly impacted biochemical blood parameters, including total protein, albumin, and globulin, in broiler chicken plasma (p < 0.05). Liver and kidney functions were influenced by in ovo AKP injections in broilers. Antioxidant enzymes also changed significantly after in ovo injection with AKP. Moreover, in ovo injection of AKP significantly altered immunity (IgG and IgM) in broilers. In conclusion, in ovo injection of AKP significantly improved liver and kidney functions, antioxidant activity, and immune function in broilers.