Egg Shell Membranes for Veterinary Uses

Eggshell membrane (ESM) is a relatively new ingredient on the list of ingredients that have been used to mitigate the effects of joint inflammation in animals. Eggshells contain a thin membrane that coats the inner surface of the shell that is comprised of a wide number of proteins, amino acids, collagen-like proteins, enzymes, and glycosaminoglycans. When ESM is consumed by an animal, the compounds found in ESM will play a role in maintaining joint health. However, ESM also has antimicrobial effects. The antimicrobial effects of ESM can be utilized in animal feeds as an alternative to antibiotics for growth promotion in production animals. Thus, ESM represents a new ingredient for veterinarian use for not only fighting inflammation in joints but also as an alternative to antibiotics for growth promotion activities.