A Study On The Embryotoxic Impact Of Pure Propionic Acid Administered Via In Ovo Route In Quail Eggs

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of in ovo injection of propionic acid on hatchability and chick viability in quail eggs. A total of 160 fertilized quail eggs were randomly divided into four groups (n=40 per group). The control group received no treatment; the perforation group had only a hole made and sealed; the treatment group received 0.02 ml of pure propionic acid on day 15 of incubation; and the sham group received 0.02 ml of distilled water via in ovo injection. The injection was performed into the embryonic cavity through the air sac under sterile conditions. Hatchability was significantly lower in the propionic acid group compared to the control (P<0.001), while the perforation and sham groups showed similar hatchability to the control. No significant differences were observed among the groups regarding early embryonic mortality (P = 0.788). However, late embryonic mortality was significantly higher in the propionic acid group (P<0.001), while the perforation and sham groups were similar to the control. No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of chick yield or egg weight loss (P>0.05). As a result, it was observed that pure propionic acid had a toxic effect by increasing embryonic mortality and significantly increased the late mortality rate of quail.