In ovo maltodextrin feeding and breeder age: Effects on hatchability, hatching weight, serum glucose, glycogen reserves, organ development and intestinal histomorphology in ducklings

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of in ovo maltodextrin feeding level and breeder age on hatchability, hatching weight, serum glucose levels, glycogen reserves, development of internal organs, and intestinal histomorphology of ducklings of the White Mallard breed. A total of 720 eggs, from 34-to-42-weeks-old breeders (early to late laying periods), were incubated, of which 80 eggs were selected each week and on the 23rd day of incubation were subjected to in ovo injection with maltodextrin at one of four levels: 0 %, 1.5 %, 3 %, or 4.5 %. The interaction between breeder age and maltodextrin level affected hatching weight significantly, where values were highest in ducklings from 41- and 42-week-old breeders injected with 1.5 % and 3.0 % maltodextrin, respectively. The hatchability decreased to 4.5 % maltodextrin. Ducklings from older breeders had higher serum glucose levels, with glycogen reserves not significantly affected. The weight percentage of the gizzard was positively influenced by the 1.5 % maltodextrin administered to breeders 39 weeks old. The cecum percentage showed a linear increase as maltodextrin levels increased. The breeder age significantly affected organ and gut parameters, with older breeders producing ducklings with lower organ percentages and shorter duodenum lengths. Intestinal histomorphology depended on both factors: 1.5 % maltodextrin (for breeders aged 39 weeks old) and 3.0 % maltodextrin (for breeders aged 42 weeks old) increased the height and surface area of villi in the ileum. Villus height-to-crypt depth ratio decreased by 4.5 % maltodextrin with 42-week-old breeder ducklings.