Healthy bacteria found inside chicken eggs

U.S. scientists say they've found chickens don't get the intestinal bacteria necessary for good health from the environment, but are born with the bacteria.

The study's lead author Adriana Pedroso, a post doctoral researcher at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, said the finding could have important implications for the poultry industry and for food safety.

Understanding the microbial ecology of the developing chicken is the first step toward producing healthy birds without antibiotics, said Pedroso.

Pedroso and her colleagues incubated more than 300 eggs and dipped them into a light bleach solution before extracting the embryos using sterile tools. DNA analysis revealed a diverse community of bacteria within the intestines of the developing embryos. The researchers hypothesize the bacteria penetrate the surface of the shell to the egg white, which is then ingested by the developing embryo.

The study, led by Professor John Maurer, was presented this week in Boston during a meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.

(UPI)

Monsoon woes continue in Uttar Pradesh

JKNPP opposes court\'s verdict on legalising homosexual relations

\'Shiney Ahuja\'s maid was raped,\' says NCW chief

Janata Dal (S) decides to stay with the Left front in Kerala

Kidman bears midriff to squash pregnancy rumours

Pakistan Army names new commander for Swat operation

Chaminda Vaas to retire from Test cricket