Environmental quality is much correlated with animal welfare.
Microbiological status of a chicken broiler house environment in
Qena city, Upper Egypt was investigated for total aerobic bacteria,
fungal count, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, fecal enterococci,
Staphylococci and Pseudomonads. Bacterial and fungal cultures from
poultry feed, water, Litter, and air were undertaken every week
throughout the 7-wk fattening period. The results showed that the
indoor microbial contamination were generated and detected. It was
revealed that microorganisms in air were detected at a mean value
(log10 cfu/m3) of 4.17 for total aerobic bacteria; 1.86 for total
coliforms; 0.89 for E. coli; 1.59 for fecal enterococci; 2.78 for
Staphylococci; 2.16 for Pseudomonads; and 2.59 for yeast/mold. The
predominant bacterial species include S. aureus, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa; fecal enterococcus, E. coli meanwhile Aspergillus flavus,
Aspergillus fumigatus, and Candida albicans were among the mostly
encountered fungal species. The results indicated an increase in air
microbial concentration correlated with growth and age of birds.
Microbiological examination of samples from litter, feed and water
revealed contamination with one or more of microbial groups or
species investigated. The present study revealed the occurrence of
microbial contamination in poultry environment and strict hygienic
measures should be considered for bird health performance and
human and surrounding environment as well.