Effect of hatcher fogging on hatcher airborne bacteria and broiler performance.

A comparison between fogged and nonfogged hatcher air was undertaken in 4 trials to determine effects on hatcher airborne bacteria, hatch statistics, and broiler performance. Eighteen day incubated eggs were artificially contaminated with a mixed Eschericia coli and Staphylococcus aureus culture when eggs were transferred to hatchers. Fogging with a disinfectant at 12-hr intervals during the hatching period caused significant reductions in total airborne bacteria and S. aureus counts. Counts of E. coli were not significantly affected. Growth data from 150 chicks from each hatcher from each trial showed 50-day feed efficiency and 50-day male body weights were significantly improved in chicks hatched in the fogged hatcher.