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20111
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Subject: Veterinary Public Health × End date: 2011 × Start date: 2010 ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF DUCK EGG PRODUCTION CHAIN
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2011) IRENE GRACE KURIAN; B. Sunil
    In the present study the microbiological quality of duck eggs in the production chain in the University poultry farm, Mannuthy, from six different points of processing, during pre monsoon (A) and post monsoon (B) season was evaluated. Aerobic Plate Count (APC), Coliform Count (CC), Escherichia Coli Count (EC) and Yeast and Mould Counts (YMC) along with isolation of Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes were used for assessing microbiological quality of eggs. The air, water, feed, litter, wash water, cloth used in washing eggs, hands of workers and environmental parameters in both seasons were also evaluated to identify the critical contamination points and rectify them. The microbiological quality of duck eggs available in retail outlet in two seasons was evaluated and compared with quality of eggs produced from the farm. Chitosan as an egg paint at 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent concentration was used to evaluate its effect on microbiological, internal keeping quality and shelf life at refrigeration (40C) and room temperature (280C). Effect of chitosan (0.5 per cent) as a disinfectant in egg washing was compared with KohrsolinTM 0.5 per cent and Huwa San at 0.5 per cent. The counts at the point of lay were highest in both seasons. Counts in season B were higher than season A. Washing of eggs significantly reduced the counts. Sales counter showed high E.coli count during season A. Foodborne pathogens like Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp, isolated revealed high sensitivity to chloramphenicol and third generation cephalosporins. Listeria monocytogenes was not isolated from eggs either in the University poultry farm or from retail market ` Chitosan maintained internal physical quality for longer duration than control at 280C and 40C. Coated eggs maintained higher weight and pH in storage. Nominal effect on yolk colour was noticed upon coating. A three log reduction was seen in APC on shell immediately after chitosan painting at both temperatures. Chitosan coating could effectively preserve quality of duck eggs for a period of 28 days at 280C and four months at 40C. There was no difference in visual perception upon coating. Chitosan 0.5 percent could be used in par with other disinfectants. Thus, the points of lay and sales counter were found to be the major contamination points as egg passed through the production chain. Litter disinfection and personnel hygiene of handlers were recommended. Chitosan could be used as disinfectant or as paint to bring down the microbial load and improve quality of duck eggs during storage.