Protein profiles of hatchery egg shell membrane

Area of Science:

• Poultry Science
• Biochemistry
• Proteomics

Background:

• Eggshells are a significant poultry hatchery waste product.
• Eggshell membranes (ESM) contain proteins from egg whites, embryos, and contaminants.
• Hatchery eggshell membranes (HESM) show potential as feed supplements for poultry health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the protein profiles of hatchery eggshell membranes (HESM).
• To understand the bioactive components responsible for HESM's health benefits.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of HESM using acidified methanol and guanidine hydrochloride buffer.
• Protein analysis via MALDI-TOF-MS and LC-MS-MS after reduction, alkylation, and trypsin digestion.

Main Results:

• Identified abundant egg white proteins (ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, lysozyme).
• Detected proteins involved in cytoskeletal, cell signaling, and metabolic functions.
• Found blood-derived proteins and diverse bacterial proteins (commensal and zoonotic).

Conclusions:

• HESM possess a variety of bioactive proteins, including signaling and enzymatic types.
• Diverse microbial proteins in HESM contribute to its biological potential.
• HESM are suitable for nutritional and biological applications to enhance poultry immunity.