Article Abstract

Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology

Research Paper|Published April 2020|Vol.6 (4):60-68

https://doi.org/10.36630/jasft_20005

 

 

Effect of Pre-Storage Heating of Late Dekalb Breeder's Eggs, Breeder Age and Storage Time on Egg Weight Loss, Hatchability and Chick Quality

 

Atif Hamza1, O.E. Yassin2, E. A. Adam2, B. H. Eljack2., A. S. Ali2, Mutaz S. B. Mahmoud3*

 

1Poultry Research Section, Animal Production Research Center, Animal Resources Research Corporation,Sudan.

2College of Animal Production Science and Technology, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Sudan.

3Department of Poultry Production , Faculty of Animal Production, University of Gezira,Sudan.

 

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pre-storage heating, hen age and storage period on the hatchability, embryonic mortality, egg weight loss and chick quality of DeKalb breeder's eggs. A total of 810 fertile eggs were randomly selected and allocated into three groups (270 eggs each). Each group was distributed in a 3 x 3 x 3 factorial arrangement in a complete randomized design with three pre-storage heating durations (0, 3 and 6 h), age (75, 80, and 85 weeks) and three storage periods (4, 9 and 14 days). Each treatment was replicated three times with 10 eggs each. Eggs were weighed before heating, incubation and transfer to the hatcher to estimate the egg weight loss. Fertility and hatchability and embryonic mortality were recorded. All hatched chicks were weighed and graded. Results indicated that pre-storage heating eggs for six hours significantly improved the hatchability and chick quality. Pre-storage heating of eggs for three hours, 75-weeks-old breeders, and eggs stored for 4 days significantly improved the chick yield. The lowest embryonic mortality values were observed with75 weeks old breeders and eggs stored for 4 days. The best hatchability and chick quality percentages were recorded with75 weeks of age breeders. In conclusion, pre-storage heating of breeder's eggs for six hours at 37.5°C and 53% RH and storage period of 4 to 9 days could be used to improve hatchability, decrease the embryonic mortality and increase the number of saleable first-grade chicks.

 

Keywords: Egg storage, Embryos, Hatchability, Quality of chicks.

 

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