Fitobiótico elaborado con hojas de noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) mejora la calidad del huevo de gallinas hy-line Brown

Abstract

The growing demand for accessible and nutritious food has driven strategies that guarantee the safety and quality of products such as eggs. However, its microbiological quality remains a challenge, due to the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the shell. This shows the need for natural alternatives that improve food safety without generating antimicrobial resistance. In this context, the use of phytobiotics emerges as a viable option compared to synthetic products in the avian diet. This research evaluated the effect of the phytobiotic based on Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) on the egg quality of Hy-Line Brown hens, in tropical conditions of the Ecuadorian coast. 28 hens were used, distributed in four treatments with increasing levels of phytobiotic inclusion (0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%) for 45 days. Productive variables, bromatological composition of the egg (moisture, ash, protein, fat and fiber) and microbiological quality of the shell were analyzed, evaluating the presence of mesophylls, molds, yeasts, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas and Salmonella spp. The results showed that egg production and weight did not vary significantly. However, treatment with 1.5% noni improved the nutritional profile of the egg. At the microbiological level, a significant reduction in microorganisms was observed on day 30, although on day 45 a rebound was recorded. The E. coli strain showed resistance to several antibiotics and the extract, but its behavior changed after prolonged exposure. It is concluded that M. citrifolia can improve egg quality and reduce microbial load