Bac-D’s Effect on Intestinal Gene Expression and Exterior Bacterial Load of Eggs

Hatchery sanitation is of the utmost importance in the poultry industry. Eggs with increased total aerobic bacterial count can cause a decrease in hatchability, performance and growth. Several methods have been utilized to decrease bacterial load on the exterior surface of the egg such as the use of: quaternary ammonium compounds, antibiotics, and UV light exposure. Many disinfectants may effectively sanitize the egg; however, they have detrimental effects on the developing embryo.  Benzalkonium chloride has been effectively used as a first aid antiseptic for humans for years. Bac-D, a novel disinfectant with benzalkonium chloride as an active ingredient. In this trial, eggs were sprayed with the same volume of either Bac-D or water. Treated eggs were sampled at 3 different time points after spray (0, 1.5, or 3 h). At the culmination of each time point, a portion of the eggs were inoculated with an endogenous bacterial inoculum.  Samples were taken and plated on TSA (Tryptic Soy Agar). There were significant decreases (p < 0.0001) in the log CFU/mL numbers at each time point (0, 1.5, 3 h). The overall mean for Bac-D was 2.08 log CFU/mL, and control eggs had an overall mean of 3.64 log CFU/mL. The actual changes that Bac-D has on the embryo are unknown.  To determine the effects Bac-D has on the embryo intestinal gene expression patterns, intestinal samples were taken from both groups at d1 and d3 post hatch.  RNA was extracted and used for Real Time PCR evaluation of PepT1, SGLT1, and NPT2b.