Biosecurity, Waste Disposal, and Sustainability Measures in Some Commercial Poultry Hatcheries | ||||
| Suez Canal Veterinary Medical Journal. SCVMJ | ||||
| Article 14, Volume 30, Issue 1, June 2025, Page 187-228 PDF (1.55 MB) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/scvmj.2025.390541.1203 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Authors | ||||
Yara M. Ramadan; Elshaimaa Ismael   ; Samah E. Laban; Gehan Z. Moustafa
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| Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Hatcheries are a crucial part of the poultry production chain, acting as the vital link between breeder operations and commercial farms. While they play an essential role in ensuring flock productivity, hatcheries can also serve as significant sources of microbial contamination and pathogen transmission. This can negatively impact hatchability and chicks’ quality. This study assessed the biosecurity practices and waste disposal protocols in some commercial poultry hatcheries and their impact on hatching outcomes. For this purpose, bacteriological and mycological examinations of air, personnel hands, hatching eggs, environmental surfaces, and chick navel samples collected from four commercial poultry hatcheries were performed. The collected samples were examined before and after decontamination procedures were applied according to the bio-security program of these premises. Log10 values were calculated and statistically compared. The results obtained indicated that the biosecurity and hygiene practices across the four hatcheries revealed inconsistent adherence to standard protocols. All the collected samples harbor considerable levels of microbial load and showed variable degrees of resistance to the used chemicals and disinfectants. Floors, as well as corners of walls and floors, emerged as focal points of contamination. Chicks’ navels and personnel hands emerged as critical contamination points in all examined hatcheries. Among the hatcheries visited, 75% stored waste in designated waste rooms outside of production areas, while one hatchery utilized a pressurized tank system. One hundred percent of hatcheries recycled egg cartons and sold certain waste. Only two hatcheries demonstrated relatively acceptable fertility and hatchability rates, along with comparatively lower embryonic mortality and cull percentages. Hatchability assessment across the four hatcheries provided insights into how biosecurity and management practices impact hatchery performance, including hatching rates and chick quality. Various strategies, such as using single-stage (SS) or multi-stage (MS) incubation systems, are employed to enhance production. Conclusively, a comprehensive and well-enforced hatchery biosecurity program that includes effective decontamination methods, incubation system design, and sustainable waste management can significantly reduce the microbial load and enhance hatchability and chick viability, contributing to a safer and more efficient poultry production environment. Integrating targeted sanitation with structured, sustainable waste management is essential for improving hatchery hygiene and minimizing environmental impact. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Hatcheries; Biosecurity; Hatchability; Hatchery Hygiene; Hatching Eggs; and Disinfectants | ||||
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