Use of electron irradiation versus formaldehyde fumigation as hatching egg disinfectants – efficacy and impact on hatchability and broiler performance

Abstract

Objective The use of low-energy electron irradiation for hatching egg disinfection was compared to formaldehyde fumigation. Material and methods To assess the efficacy, eggshells were examined for bacteria before and after disinfection. During incubation, hatching and fattening of 1400 Ross 308 broilers per group candling data, hatching rate, mortality rate and body mass development were recorded to evaluate the impact on health and performance. Additionally, data from the slaughter house and histological evaluation of organ samples were included in the health screening. Results Regarding the efficacy, irradiation and formaldehyde significantly reduced the number of bacteria compared to non-disinfected eggs. However, no significant difference was recorded between both treatments. The irradiated group performed better than the reference group concerning the number of infertile eggs, early and late dead embryos and fertile eggs. The performance during fattening was nearly identical in both groups, while mortality differed slightly between the irradiated group and the group treated with formaldehyde. Upon slaughter, there were minor variations concerning the distribution of findings between the groups, but the number of anomalies was not higher than reference values suggest. Conclusion In both groups no health problems were observed during rearing and the fattening performance met the targets of the manufacturer Aviagen for the used broiler line Ross 308. Clinical relevance Lower-energy electron irradiation proves to be an efficient and well-tolerated hatching egg disinfection procedure. Further field trials are necessary to establish low-energy electron irradiation as an alternative to formaldehyde fumigation.

Assessment of three alternative methods for bacterial disinfection of hatching eggs in comparison with conventional approach in commercial broiler hatcheries

“…There are several hatching egg disinfection methods in use worldwide [ 39 – 41 ] under field conditions that claim to have benefits on a deeper level, such as in the pores, without interfering with hatchability or viability of hatched chicks. In previous studies, an in vitro test was performed to analyze the bacterial disinfection efficacy [ 22 ], and potential adverse effects of various disinfection methods on hatchability and embryo viability were tested [ 23 , 34 , 35 ].…”

“…To assess the disinfection capacity of this method, further studies must be performed to see how the adaptation of this prototype to a large scale will affect the disinfection capacity. Nevertheless, the results presented during this trial, as well as the lack of negative side effect post hatching [ 26 , 53 ], suggest that this method has potential as an alternative to formaldehyde once the appropriate field infrastructure is available.…”

“…The disinfected eggs that were not selected as samples for this trial underwent standard commercial incubation and hatching process after disinfection and were excluded from further participation in the study. Additional investigation into the hatchability and broiler performance were carried out in parallel studies by a separate research team [ 34 , 35 ] and the findings were not included in the present investigation.…”

Effects of Sanitizers on Microbiological Control of Hatching Eggshells and Poultry Health during Embryogenesis and Early Stages after Hatching in the Last Decade

“…Regarding the control of the eggshell microbial load, Virkon S performed very well, as demonstrated in all studies, and had no record of significant loss in hatchability. Other examples that may be viable for hatching eggs are ammonium compounds [ 64 ], peracetic acid [ 75 ], nanosecond electron beam [ 66 ], low-energy electron irradiation [ 38 ] and ultraviolet radiation [ 83 ].…”

Penggunaan H2O2 (Hidrogen Peroksida) untuk Mengurangi Kadar Coliform Air Pada Peternakan Ayam Petelur di Kabupaten Blitar

“…Dalam penelitian ini terjadi penurunan mortalitas sebanyak 2%, sehingga bisa dikatakan penggunaan hidrogen peroksida bisa menurunkan angka kematian. Penggunaan desinfektan sebagai fumigasi telur tetas juga memberikan pengaruh terhadap angka kematian (Pees et al,2020). Mortalitas ayam sering terjadi karena pemberian air minum yang kurang berkualitas.…”