Effect of Phage Spray on Hatchability and Chick Quality of Eggs Contaminated withTyphimurium.

Abstract

Typhimurium (Typhimurium) contamination poses a significant challenge to breeder egg hatchability and chick health, necessitating the exploration of alternative disinfection methods. This study investigates the potential of phage vB_SPuM_SP02 (SP02) as a novel disinfectant for breeder eggs contaminated withTyphimurium SM022. Phage SP02 was isolated from poultry farm effluent and characterized for morphology, biological properties, and genome properties. Experimental groups of specific pathogen-free (SPF) eggs were treated withand phage SP02, and efficacy was assessed through hatching rates, chick survival, weight,load, immune organ indices, and intestinal flora. Phage treatment effectively eradicatedcontamination on eggshells within 12 h, resulting in increased hatching and survival rates compared to controls. Furthermore, phage treatment mitigated weight loss and tissueload in chicks without causing immune organ damage while reducingspp. abundance in the intestinal tract. This study demonstrates the potential of phage SP02 as an eco-friendly and efficient disinfectant for. Typhimurium-contaminated breeder eggs, offering promising prospects for practical application in poultry production.