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Title: A SURVEY OF COMMON PRACTICES IN SHELL EGG PROCESSING FACILITIES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON WATER USE

Author
item Jones, Deana
item Northcutt, Julie

Submitted to: Poultry Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2002
Publication Date: 1/20/2003
Citation: Jones, D.R., Northcutt, J.K. 2003. A survey of common practices in shell egg processing facilities and their effects on water use. [abstract] Poultry Science. 82(suppl.):136.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Shell egg processing facilities in the US were surveyed for common production practices and water use. Results were compiled and analyzed for frequency and significance via Chi-square. Of the respondents, 62.5% (P < 0.001) utilized wells as their primary source of water. Only 22% (P < 0.01) of the facilities discharged water to city sewers. Over half of the facilities process 7 days each week (P < 0.01) with 8 to 9 hour shifts (P < 0.05). There was an even distribution of in-line, off-line and mixed operations represented. Two-thirds of the operations were dual-tank systems with over half being plumbed jointly. The dual tank systems that were plumbed jointly used the least water per case of eggs processed (P < 0.05). Over 90% (P < 0.0001) of the operations performed daily sanitation. Most facilities (P < 0.0001) do not attempt to recycle water from their process. The age of the processing line, number of days processing each week, length of shift, size of facility and type of operation did not have a significant effect on water use.