Abstract

Nicarbazin (NCZ) is an equimolar complex of 4,4’-dinitrocarbanilide and 2-hydroxy-4,6- dimethylpyrimidine Ott et al. [1]. It is an anticoccidial agent used in the poultry industry. Its main function is to prevent multiplication and proliferation of parasites of Eimeria genus in the intestinal tract, avoiding tissue damage, decreased feed consumption, reduced nutrient absorption, dehydration, blood loss, skin depigmentation and susceptibility to other pathogens in birds McDougald & Fitz-Coy [2]. Nevertheless, its application has not been entirely beneficial. Ott et al. [1] reported that feeding laying hens with 100 ppm or more of NCZ caused depigmentation of the brown shell and reduced hatchability in approximately 60%. Although the mode of action of NCZ for contraceptive activity is unknown, micrographs of vitelline membranes in mallards showed severe degenerative changes and preliminary in vitro studies indicated that it may increase intracellular calcium levels and early degradation of very low-density lipoproteins that comprise egg yolk Yoder et al. [3]. However, the effect of NCZ has not been studied in Creole hens of Mexico. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of NCZ on incubation variables of eggs from that genotype of birds.