Evaluation of DHP® Technology Application in a Single Stage Hatchery on Eggshell Microbial Loads and Efficacy When Compared to Formaldehyde
Published December 2023 in the University of Georgia – Departments of Poultry Science and Population Health
Description: This comprehensive 12-month study evaluated the use of DHP® Technology as a direct replacement for formaldehyde in a commercial single-stage broiler hatchery. DHP® units were installed in the egg room, incubators, transfer room, and hatchers. The study was conducted in three phases: baseline (no DHP®), DHP® + formaldehyde, and DHP®-only. Performance metrics included hatchability, microbial load (surface and fluff), and 3-day chick mortality.
Key Takeaways:
- Hatchability: DHP®-only treatment (T/T group) resulted in a 3.11% increase in hatchability (85.88%) compared to baseline (82.77%) and was statistically equivalent to formaldehyde-only treatment (86.1%).
- Microbial Load: Surface swabs showed low microbial counts across all treatments. Visual reductions in fluff microbial load were observed in DHP®-treated hatchers.
- 3-Day Mortality: No significant differences in mortality or necropsy results between DHP® and formaldehyde groups. Both groups showed similar bacterial profiles.
- Safety & Practicality: DHP® was found to be a viable alternative to formaldehyde, with no adverse effects on hatchery performance or chick health.
- Regulatory Relevance: DHP® offers a safer option amid increasing scrutiny and increasingly stringent regulation of formaldehyde use in hatcheries.
