Effects of clove essential oil on eggshell bacterial load, antibacterial sensitivity, and hatchability

Background and objective Clove essential oil's (CEO) physical and chemical properties allow for its potent antibacterial action. This study sought to determine the impact of various CEO disinfectant concentrations on the eggshell bacterial load, embryonic mortality, hatchability, and chick quality. Materials and methods A total of 1500 fertile chicken eggs were randomly divided into five treatment groups. Group one was sprayed with a commercial disinfectant (BioSentry 904), the second group was sprayed with ethyl alcohol 70%, and the last three groups were sprayed with 0.5, 1, or 2% of CEO. After spraying, eggs in each group were used for the determination of total bacterial load on the eggshell, hatchability, embryonic mortality, and chick quality. Results and conclusion Results showed that the bacterial load on the eggshell declined with the increase in the concentration of CEO. The use of CEO at 1, 2%, or BioSentry 904 resulted in the lowest bacterial load. However, hatchability of set and fertile eggs for the group treated with CEO at 0.5% was numerically greater than other groups, while chick quality grade (A) was numerically greater by CEO at 1% concentration. The chick yield of the egg group treated with CEO at 1% was significantly higher than in the control group. Embryonic mortalities for all groups were statistically similar. In conclusion, using CEO at different concentrations 1, 2%, or BioSentry 904 in disinfecting broiler breeder eggs can effectively reduce the bacterial load on eggshells. In addition, using CEO improved chick quality and chick yield without any adverse effect on hatchability. Consequently, it is considered a strong competitor to BioSentry 904 and a less hazardous disinfectant for hatching egg disinfection on a commercial scale.