Contributed Short Lecture “In vivo efficacy assessment of an essential oils-based solution on controlling red mites and egg residues in laying hens”

Red mite (PRM) is the tricky issue in poultry welfare and performance. Besides, the excess use of synthetic compounds to control PRM causes risk of resistance and bioaccumulation that alerts public health concern. Hence, sustainable alternatives are in demand. Natural essential oils (EOs) are the promising solution thanks to their documented repellent effect. The objectives of this study were to evaluate a standardised essential oil mixture (STEOs), named Nor-Mite, in controlling PRM and its possible residues in eggs.

Nine hens were divided into 2 groups: STEOs group fed (n=4) with standard feed supplemented with STEOs; CT group (n=5) received an un-supplemented standard feed. The repellency of hens to PRM was determined by letting 50 starving female PRMs freely choose hens for blood meals through a Y-shaped olfactometer route. Residues were analysed using an adapted GC-EI-MS method on eggs laid by STEOs- supplemented hens during 10 months compared to eggs from un-supplemented hens. Two major compounds, geraniol and eugenol were targeted.

In vivo study showed that up to 78% of tested PRM was recorded feeding on CT hens while only 14% of PRM choose STEOs hens. These results showed significant repellent effect against PRM of STEOs hens compared to CT hens (P<0.001). By detection limit, no aromatic compound was detected from all eggs of both groups.

STEOs demonstrated the via-feed-supplement repellent effect. Residual accumulation in eggs laid by hens supplemented with STEOs in feed for 10 months was absent. Thus, indicating that dietary STEOs is the efficient, residue-free solution to prevent PRM.

 

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Publication History

Article published online:
16 November 2023