The use of oregano (Origanum vulgare L) essential oil as alternative hatching egg disinfectant versus formaldehyde fumigation in quails (Cotumix coturnix japonica) eggs

The present study examined the effectiveness of Oregano (Origanum vulgare L) (OV) essential oil versus formaldehyde fumigation (FF) to disinfect quail (Coturnix japonica) hatching eggshell surface and maintain hatching results. There were found significant differences between OV and FF in the hatchability of fertile eggs (P < 0.05). The total embryo mortality (TEM) was lower in OV group compared to FF group (P < 0.05). The treatment groups did not effect on eggshell conductance and eggshell conductance constant. Following OV application, total bacteria population significantly (P < 0.01) decreased compared with control (CON) and FF groups. These results demonstrated that the OV could be regarded as probable alternative hatching egg disinfectant versus FF without adversely affecting quail hatching eggs.