Egg inoculation of conjugated linoleic acid and lauric acid in meat quails

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of inoculation in egg with sources of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and lauric acid (LA) on hatchability, zootechnical performance and carcass characteristics of quails from one to 35 days of age. On the 7^th day of incubation, the eggs were inoculated with 0.05 mL of the supplement according to the treatments, CLA and LA. After birth, the birds were housed in cages until 35 days. A completely randomized design was used, with six treatments and six replicates of 10 birds per cage. The inoculations in eggs with CLA and LA did not interfere in the performance and carcass characteristics of quails at 21 and 35 days of age. However, may be associated with a decrease in egg hatchability. The highest absolute weight of the gizzard was observed at 35 days, from birds inoculated in egg with CLA 240 mg and LA 60 mg in the incubation phase, in comparison to the other treatments. In conclusion, the reduction in hatchability makes it impossible to recommend the use of conjugated linoleic acid and lauric acid - in ovo.