The economic success of poultry breeders is closely tied to the hatchability of their eggs. A decline in hatching rates can significantly impact profitability, and identifying the root cause early is essential for implementing corrective actions. In practice, I have developed and tested several practical methods that can help breeders and hatchery managers improve their egg hatching outcomes. These techniques are based on hands-on experience and are designed to be both effective and easy to apply.
First, it's important to carefully inspect the eggs before they are placed in the incubator. This includes checking the appearance of the eggs—ensuring they are the correct size, shape, and color for the breed. The quality of the shell is also critical, as it affects how well the egg can support embryo development during incubation. Additionally, the storage and transportation conditions play a major role. If eggs are stored at too high a temperature, embryos may develop too quickly and die early. Conversely, if the temperature is too low, the blastoderm can freeze, leading to internal damage. Prolonged storage can also increase the air cell size, making it harder for the embryo to break out during hatching. During transport, excessive vibration can cause cracks or internal damage, which reduces hatchability.
Next, understanding the incubation process is key. Monitoring the temperature inside the incubator is crucial—fluctuations can lead to poor hatch rates. The thermometer should be accurate, and the actual temperature should match the recommended range for each stage of development. Ventilation is equally important, especially after day 15 when the embryos begin to breathe more actively. Fans must be functioning properly, and vents should be fully open. Egg turning is another factor; improper rotation can lead to developmental issues or even embryonic death. Any mechanical failures or power outages during incubation should be noted, as they can affect the embryos depending on when they occur.
Checking the hatchery’s operational procedures is also vital. Ensuring that proper hatching conditions are maintained throughout the process is essential. Hatchery staff should be trained in techniques like “seeing the fetal Schering†and eyelid thermometry to monitor embryo health. It’s also important to assess whether any mistakes or negligence by personnel contributed to hatch failure.
Using fluorescent egg inspection (fluoroscopy) can help determine if the embryo is developing normally and whether the temperature and humidity levels were appropriate. Observing the size of the air chamber can give clues about humidity levels. By analyzing the eggs, you can distinguish between unfertilized eggs, normal embryos, malformed ones, and cracked eggs.
Abnormalities observed during different stages of incubation can provide valuable insights. For example, at day 5, if the blood vessels appear hyperemic, it may indicate high temperatures. At day 11, if allantoic vessels close prematurely, this could also signal overheating. Similarly, at day 17, irregularities in the “closing door†stage may point to temperature or ventilation issues.
Examining the hatching shells can also reveal problems. If the timing of hatching is off, it may suggest incorrect incubation temperatures. The position of the chick inside the shell can indicate whether the embryo was positioned correctly. Abnormalities such as weak chicks, poor yolk absorption, or dehydrated chicks can point to issues with temperature, humidity, or nutrition.
Finally, a thorough analysis of unhatched eggs is necessary. Randomly selecting 50–100 eggs and examining them using techniques like tapping, opening, and visual inspection can help identify the cause of embryonic death. Checking the amniotic fluid, yolk absorption, and internal organs can reveal whether the problem was due to temperature, disease, or other factors.
By systematically analyzing each stage of the hatching process, breeders can pinpoint the causes of low hatchability and take targeted measures to improve future results. This approach not only helps reduce losses but also enhances overall productivity and efficiency in poultry breeding operations.
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