Bioimpedance as a Non-Invasive Method to Evaluate Eggs and Poultry

Abstract

The need to comply with animal welfare has motivated the research for non-invasive methods that allow the evaluation of poultry and eggs to be painless while providing accurate measurements. In this scenario, bioelectrical impedance was tested as a minimally invasive tool for sexing day-old chicks of two different chicken strains and for evaluating the quality of eggs submitted to different days of storage relative to their hatchability. The resistance and phase angle measured allowed the differentiation between chicken strains, but not between sexes. Eggs stored for seven days showed higher resistance and lower phase angle those stored for only one day. Although the bioimpedance method seems to be a promising method to evaluate egg and chick quality, the results of the present study suggest that further studies are needed to validate its utilization, particularly in terms of electrode type and positioning, as well as for the determination of which electrodes and equipment are best suited for different evaluation purposes.

Application of bioelectrical impedance analysis to assess body composition of male and female broiler chickens from 2 different strains throughout the growth period

“…However, Lukaski et al (1985) and Baumgartner et al (1988) asserted that Rs holds a greater proportion than Xc in total impedance and serves as a more reliable predictor in most biological conductors. This assertion directly contradicts the observations found by Klein et al (2016) and support the decision of not using this methodology. On the other hand, Renden et al (1988) and Grimes et al (1990) described the technique placing 2 electrodes on the ventral surface of the wing and 2 on the inner thigh, or alternatively, 2 on the right thigh and 2 near the sternum.…”

“…Various approaches were explored in the development and testing of the technique. Renden et al (1988) , Grimes et al (1990) , and Klein et al (2016) introduced distinct models for applying BIA. The methodology described by Klein et al (2016) tested the BIA method by positioning each pair of electrodes on both legs of the birds displaying higher values for Xc in comparison to Rs.…”

“… Renden et al (1988) , Grimes et al (1990) , and Klein et al (2016) introduced distinct models for applying BIA. The methodology described by Klein et al (2016) tested the BIA method by positioning each pair of electrodes on both legs of the birds displaying higher values for Xc in comparison to Rs. However, Lukaski et al (1985) and Baumgartner et al (1988) asserted that Rs holds a greater proportion than Xc in total impedance and serves as a more reliable predictor in most biological conductors.…”

“…Bioelectrical impedance analysis ( BIA ) is a noninvasive, safe (not exposed to ionizing radiation), easy-to-use, portable, real-time, and relatively inexpensive technique ( Collins et al, 2013 ; Lukaski 2013 ; Dittmar et al, 2015 ; Harrison et al, 2015 ; Klein et al, 2016 ).…”