In Ovo Nicotinamide Riboside Feeding Increases Muscle Mass and Fiber Number in Broiler Chickens: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

This study examined the effects of in ovo nicotinamide riboside (NR) feeding on growth and meat quality in high-yield broilers. Fertilized Cobb 700 eggs were randomly assigned to four treatments and injected on day 10 of incubation with 0, 250, 500, or 1,000 mM NR. NR treatments increased the weight of several breast muscles, with 250, 500, and 1,000 mM NR producing heavier Pectoralis major muscles than controls, and 250 mM NR increasing Pectoralis minor weight. Muscle fiber number also increased with NR feeding, likely contributing to the heavier muscles. Myopathy scores and incidence were minimally affected, although tenders from the highest NR dose showed slight differences in woody-like tender scores. Overall, in ovo NR feeding enhanced muscle growth without significantly affecting meat quality.

Journal

Frontiers in Physiology