The effectiveness of peppermint and thyme essential oil mist in reducing bacterial contamination in broiler houses

Abstract

The antimicrobial properties of essential oils have been demonstrated by various in vitro studies, whereas their effect on poultry farm hygiene has not been thoroughly investigated, in particular with reference to aerial treatment. The present study aims to assess the antibacterial effects of natural essential oils in broiler houses. Two experimental rooms were fogged with aqueous solutions of peppermint and thyme oils. The control room was sprayed with pure water. The experiment was conducted on broilers aged 1 to 42 d. The rooms were fogged every 3 d. One day after fogging, the total counts of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and mannitol-positive staphylococci were determined. Samples were collected from the air, litter, walls, and drinkers. The results of the study demonstrate that essential oil mist may improve hygiene standards in broiler farms. During broiler growth, the mean total counts of mesophilic bacteria in the rooms treated with essential oils were lower (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) in comparison with the control. Enterobacteriaceae and staphylococci counts were also higher in the control group. A single exception was noted in a litter sample where the mean count of Enterobacteriaceae in the room fogged with peppermint oil was higher than in the control. Both oils reduced bacterial counts, but thyme oil was more effective in reducing coliform bacteria, whereas peppermint oil had a higher inhibitory effect on the proliferation of staphylococci. These promising results encourage further research to determine the optimal doses and the effects of essential oils and their combinations on the living conditions and health status of broiler chickens.

Effect of peppermint and thyme essential oil mist on performance and physiological parameters in broiler chickens

“…Our results demonstrate that the use of EO mist does not adversely affect broiler growth performance, and that PO mist can increase BW and WG in broiler chickens. The reason for greater WG in group PO could be a higher level of environmental cleanliness and, in consequence, lower susceptibility to infections because PO exerts bactericidal effects on environmental microorganisms (Witkowska & Sowińska, 2013;Witkowska et al, 2016). Due to its potent antioxidant properties, PO helps maintain the structural integrity of immune system cells and protects cell membranes against free radical-induced oxidation, thus enhancing the immune response (Arab-Ameri et al, 2016;Awaad et al, 2016).…”

“…Due to its antimicrobial properties, EO mist also improves hygiene standards on broiler farms (Bakutis et al, 2011;Witkowska & Sowińska, 2013;Witkowska et al, 2016). A reduction in microbial contamination levels at the source of the infection can indirectly improve performance and blood parameters in broilers (Witkowska et al, 2007;Mituniewicz et al, 2008;Witkowska & Sowińska, 2017).…”

The Antifungal Properties of Peppermint and Thyme Essential Oils Misted in Broiler Houses

“…The results of the above-mentioned studies also show the antibacterial effect of essential oils both invitro and in-vivo. It should be added that the fogging of poultry rooms with thyme and peppermint essential oil solutions was effective in reducing bacteria, including coliform bacteria and staphylococci (Witkowska & Sowińska, 2013).…”

“…Mist-fog systems are increasingly being installed in poultry buildings to administer inhaled vaccines or drugs, to reduce summertime heat stress, and to improve sanitation (Shanmugavelu et al, 2000;Vermeulen et al, 2002). The studies of Witkowska and Sowińska (2013) indicate that misting poultry houses with aqueous solutions of peppermint and thyme essential oils offers promising prospects for bacterial reduction in the birds' environment. The positive effect of essential oils (pine and eucalyptus) in aerial bacteria reduction in poultry houses was observed by Bakutis et al (2011).…”

“…The specific microclimate inside poultry houses contributes to an above-average concentration of biological contamination (Seedorf et al, 1998;Vučemilo et al, 2007;Witkowska & Sowińska, 2013). Factors, such as the high temperature and humidity of air and litter, as well as the high number of large birds, contribute for the formation of fungal aerosol (Russel & Paluchowska-Święcka, 2008;.…”