Effects of vitamin E and selenium on arsenic toxicity and the role of them in hatchability

Arsenic is a toxic element that exists in mineral and industrial resources. The poultry can be contaminated with arsenic through water and food. This study was conducted to determine the effects of an in-ovo injection of arsenic on the hatchability. In addition, Influence of vitamin E and selenium to neutralize the effect of arsenic was investigated. Fertilized eggs that were obtained from a Broiler breeder farm were placed in incubator. On the seventh day of incubation, 192 embryonated eggs were divided into four groups (n=48 eggs) and 0.1 ml of solution was injected into air sacs. The eggs of group I (control group), Group II, Group III and Group IV were injected with distilled water, arsenic oxide, a blend of selenium and vitamin E and a blend of selenium, vitamin E and arsenic oxide, respectively. Then the eggs were returned to the incubator. Hatchability and weight of the newly hatched chicken were measured. Rate of hatchability in group I (control), group II (arsenic), Group III (vitamin E and selenium) and Group IV (vitamin E, selenium and arsenic) were 92%, 67%, 98% and 83%. respectively The results showed that the hatchability was significantly different between groups. It was found that injection of arsenic significantly reduced hatchability and injection of vitamin E and selenium significantly increased hatchability. Also It was found that the average weight of chickens was significantly different between groups.