Propolis: effects on the sanitisation of hatching eggs

SUMMARY

The use of sanitisers, with natural compounds as active ingredients in their formulations, can be of great value in the sanitisation of hatching eggs. Here, we review the effects of sanitising hatching eggs with propolis on the eggshell microbiota, hatchability and survival of post-hatch chicks. We demonstrate that propolis is an appropriate and promising option for sanitising hatching eggs, as it helps in the reduction of microbial load on the eggshell (total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and fungi) and increases embryo safety. Typically, propolis does not negatively affect the hatchability percentage and can, in some cases, improve this rate by up to 11%. Thus, we reinforce the positive impact of natural products on poultry production.

KEYWORDS:

• Bee products
• eggshell contamination
• hatchability
• microbiological safety
• natural product

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

G. D. S. Oliveira

G. D. S. Oliveira, Master of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (FAV), University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil

V. M. dos Santos

V. M. dos Santos, Professor, Federal Institute of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil

C. McManus

C. McManus, Professor, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (FAV), University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil