Title of R&D Project: Implementation of Nanocomposite Materials in Innovative Technologies for Incubation of Poultry Eggs; Applied Research (0119U100551)
R&D Project Leader: Bordonova Olha Heorhiyivna, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor
Project Timeline: 01.01.2019 to 31.12.2021
Funding Amount: 600,000 UAH
An analysis was conducted of existing technologies for the incubation of poultry eggs of various species, based on an assessment of the impact of the condition of the eggs’ bioceramic protective layer on embryogenesis parameters and quality indicators of chicks. The influence of disinfectant agents from different chemical groups on hatchability and chick survival was also examined.
A composition was developed based on environmentally friendly natural chitosan with added metal oxides, pretreated with electrolysis, which forms a protective coating on incubation eggs against environmental stressors and pathogenic microflora. This coating increased hatchability by 25.8–21.5% and reduced the amount of pathogenic microflora on the eggshell surface by 97.7–99.01% compared to the initial bacterial colony count in the control group.
The effectiveness of the innovative pre-incubation egg treatment technology using the biomimetic “artificial cuticle” approach was theoretically substantiated and practically proven. This technology enhances the structural and physiological properties of the eggshell as a bioceramic protective layer by forming a surface film composed of synthetic and natural materials. This film regulates gas permeability in chicken eggshells and reduces microbiological contamination.
It was found that violations in the housing and feeding conditions of laying hens alter the qualitative composition of protein/peptide components of the eggshell’s bioceramic layer, particularly ovocleidin-17 and a range of medium-molecular-weight peptides with molecular masses from 455 to 881 Da. The sensitivity of morphological and biochemical parameters of bioceramic structures in chicken incubation eggs to environmental stressors depends on breed and cross, with higher parameter values correlating with egg productivity.
It was demonstrated that exposure of chicken incubation eggs to various negative factors results in the formation of aragonite and vaterite instead of the normal calcite form of calcium carbonate. These alternate crystal forms lead to loosening and disorganization of the calcium carbonate layers, which negatively affects embryo development.
A mass spectrometry method using plasma desorption (PDMS) was developed to detect antibiotics in chicken incubation eggs. This method was most sensitive to trimethoprim, with its ion peak reliably identified at concentrations of 0.1–0.2 µg per sample, while other drugs required concentrations of 4–5 µg for detection.
An inexpensive and low-labor technology was developed to apply the “artificial cuticle” protective coating to incubation eggs. This involves spraying eggs in trays with a fine aerosol (0.5–3.0 µm) of the working solution 5–30 minutes before incubation, at a rate of 1500 ml per 1500 chicken eggs.
The optimal chemical composition of the “artificial cuticle” solution includes: acid-soluble chitosan in peracetic acid (pH 3.0), 0.1–3.0; ultra- and nano-dispersed titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in anatase crystalline form (particle size 2.0–0.2 µm), 0.1–3.0; yellow iron oxide pigment (iron (III) oxide, Fe₂O₃), 0.1–3.0; hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), 0.5–5.5; copper sulfate (CuSO₄), 1.0–2.5; water softener (EDTA), 0.1; microelements (magnesium, cobalt, zinc), 0.1; and water up to 100 wt.%.
Experimental results showed that using the composition for forming the “artificial cuticle” coating on chicken incubation eggs increased hatchability by 6.3–20.3%, stimulated embryo development, reduced surface pathogenic microflora during incubation by 98.6–99.03% compared to the control, and improved chick survival by 2.9%.
An empirical correlation was identified: the stronger the positive effect of the “artificial cuticle” technology on incubation, the lower the initial egg quality and hatchability rate typical for certain breeds and crosses.
The mechanism of action of the “artificial cuticle” components includes:
Scientific novelty and level: Use of the “artificial cuticle” technology improves embryonic metabolism, as evidenced by significant increases in blood serum and tissue levels of hemoglobin, iron, copper, total protein, lysozyme activity, total lipids, cholesterol, calcium, and creatinine in day-old chicks (Lohmann Brown). It also optimizes carbohydrate and calcium-phosphorus metabolism (reduces glucose, α-amylase, and phosphorus levels).
Practical significance: Production trials confirmed that hatchability improvements with the “artificial cuticle” technology depend on poultry genetics (breed, cross), ranging from 6.3% (Birkivska Barvysta) to 20.3% (Poltavska Glynyasta). Experiments showed that this technology improves metabolism and immune status in chicks without synthetic drugs such as antibiotics, synthetic biocides, or other environmentally hazardous ingredients.
