In Ovo Nicotinamide Riboside Injection Improves Broiler Chicken Muscle Growth: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

This study examined how nicotinamide riboside (NR) affects the development and growth of the pectoralis major muscle (PM) in broiler chickens. Fertilized eggs were injected on day 10 of incubation with either NR or saline, into either the yolk sac or the albumen (egg white). After hatching, measurements of the chicks’ bodies and PM muscles were taken. NR injection into the yolk sac significantly increased PM weight, length, and muscle fiber density, while injection into the albumen had less effect. NR treatment increased PM width and depth regardless of injection site. Muscle fiber size was not affected. Overall, injecting NR into the yolk sac during embryonic development enhanced PM muscle growth primarily by increasing muscle fiber density.

Journal

Translational Animal Science