engleski

The influence of housing systems on the air quality and bacterial eggshell contamination of table eggs

This paper compares two different housing systems for table egg laying hens, in particular, a conventional cage system and aviary, during three summer months, starting from the 20th week of the production cycle. The research was focused on the airborne bacteria, fungi and dust levels and on the bacterial eggshell contamination. Levels of airborne bacteria established in the aviary system were many times higher and ranged from 6.18 x 104 CFU/m3 to 8.89 x 104 CFU/m3, and the levels of airborne fungi ranged from 1.64 x 104 to 1.90 x 104 CFU/m3, while the levels of airborne bacteria and fungi established in the conventional cage system ranged from 1.59 x 104 to 2.49 x 104 CFU/m3 and from 0.83 x 104 to 1.30 x 104 CFU/m3 respectively. Microbial air contamination was associated with eggshell contamination, with the levels established in the aviary ranging from 5.44 x 103 to 9.60 x 103 CFU/eggshell and those established in conventional cage system ranging from 2.26 x 103 to 3.59 x 103 CFU/eggshell. Airborne dust levels in the aviary and conventional cage system ranged from 3.15 to 4.55 mg/m3 and from 0.65 to 1.15 mg/m3 respectively. In terms of animal welfare and meeting of behavioural needs, alternative systems, i.e. aviaries, appear more acceptable ; however, in terms of hygiene, they are not satisfactory because of a larger number of dirty and cracked eggs and increased risk of disease outbreaks.

conventional cage system; aviary; air hygiene; eggshell; microorganisms

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