The Effect of Hen Hatching Eggs Characteristics and Time of its Storage on Embryonic Mortality during Incubation

Abstract

Hatching eggs of hens’ hybrid combination Shaver Starcross 288 were used to monitor effect of eggs characteristics and time of its storage on embryonic mortality during incubation. During experiment embryonic mortality of 26.604 pieces of hatching eggs in total was evaluated at age 28, 40, 52 and 64 weeks. Hatching eggs of average weight 60-65 grams are most appropriate for hatching. Hatching yields from small (50-55 g) as well as from large eggs (70-75 g) are worse and embryonic mortality is higher. Embryonic mortality during incubation was highest in the third stage of incubation (last week of incubation). The best shapes of hatching eggs to achieve the best hatching results are within the shape index 70-75. Any deviation towards a pointed or round eggs lead to increased embryonic mortality. Upon storage of hatching eggs under standard conditions the differences in hatching results and embryonic mortality during the first 10 days were statistically insignificant. Significantly decreased hatchability and increased embryonic mortality was on the rise after 10 days of storage. The storage time of hens hatching eggs in compliance with all storage conditions may be extended to 10 days.

Keywords

• egg weight
• egg shape
• embryonic mortality
• hatching egg
• incubation