Effect of hatching conditions on hatching rate and chick quality

Egg hatching plays a vital role in the poultry industry, directly impacting the profitability of chicken production. Achieving a high hatchability rate and producing healthy, vigorous chicks depends largely on proper hatching conditions. In addition to maintaining healthy breeding flocks, improving egg quality, and ensuring effective disinfection, managing environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, egg turning, and cooling is essential. This article explores how these key factors influence both hatching success and chick quality, offering insights into best practices for optimal results. 1. Temperature 1.1 The Role of Temperature Temperature is the most critical factor during incubation. It governs all metabolic processes in the developing embryo. Without the right temperature, embryos may fail to develop or may suffer from developmental abnormalities, leading to poor hatching outcomes. 1.2 Temperature Requirements During early incubation, embryos have limited ability to regulate their own body temperature, so higher temperatures are needed. As development progresses, their metabolic activity increases, and they begin to regulate temperature more effectively. At this stage, stable temperatures are crucial. In the final stages, when the embryo can regulate its own temperature and produces more heat, slightly lower temperatures are beneficial for heat dissipation. Therefore, the incubation process should follow a "high, medium, low" temperature schedule. 1.3 Effects of Temperature on Hatching High temperatures can accelerate embryonic development, leading to earlier hatching, while low temperatures slow it down. For example, at 37.8°C, hatching occurs after 21 days, while at 38.5°C, it happens in just 20 days. However, at 39.5°C, the eggs hatch too quickly, resulting in weaker chicks with lower weight and reduced hatching rates. On the other hand, at 35.5°C, hatching is delayed until day 24, with many embryos dying inside the shell. 1.4 Temperature Control Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial. Using constant temperature incubation, the incubator should be set at 37.8°C, while the hatcher should be around 37.0–37.5°C. For batch incubation, the temperature should gradually decrease over time, starting at 38°C for the first seven days, then lowering to 37.6°C from day 8–12, and finally to 37.0°C by day 19–21. The ambient temperature in the room should be between 22°C and 26°C to ensure optimal hatching performance. 2. Humidity 2.1 The Role of Humidity Humidity helps distribute heat evenly during early incubation and supports physiological processes later on. Proper humidity levels also aid in hatching by making the eggshell brittle, which facilitates the emergence of the chick. Sufficient moisture and CO₂ in the air help dissolve calcium carbonate in the shell, making it easier for the chick to break out. 2.2 Humidity Requirements The relative humidity in the incubator should be maintained at 50–60%, while in the hatcher, it should be 65–75%. In the hatchery, humidity should ideally range between 60–65%. 2.3 Effects of Humidity on Hatching Too much or too little humidity can affect chick quality. Excess humidity delays hatching, causing soft bodies and abdominal swelling, while low humidity leads to dry, thin chicks with sticky shells. Both extremes can reduce hatching rates and increase mortality. 2.4 Adjusting Humidity If humidity is too high, reduce water trays or increase ventilation. If it's too low, add more water or wet the floor to raise humidity. Careful management ensures optimal conditions for embryonic development. 3. Ventilation 3.1 Purpose of Ventilation Ventilation supplies oxygen, removes carbon dioxide, maintains uniform temperature, and prevents overheating. It is essential for the health of the embryos throughout the incubation period. 3.2 Ventilation Requirements Oxygen levels should remain above 20%, and CO₂ levels should not exceed 0.5%. Proper ventilation must be balanced with temperature and humidity control to avoid adverse effects. 3.3 Effects of Ventilation Excessive CO₂ can delay development, increase mortality, and cause deformities. Poor ventilation can lead to dehydration, eye adhesions, and green stools in chicks. Maintaining good airflow is key to successful hatching. 3.4 Adjusting Ventilation Ventilation should be increased as the embryos grow. In the early stages, it can be minimal, but as the embryos become more active, more airflow is needed. Ventilation holes should be adjusted based on the stage of incubation. 4. Egg Turning 4.1 Purpose of Egg Turning Turning eggs prevents the embryo from sticking to the shell membrane and ensures even heating. It also promotes movement and helps maintain the correct position of the embryo. 4.2 Egg Turning Requirements Eggs should be turned every 1–2 hours. After day 18, turning should stop to allow the chicks to prepare for hatching. 4.3 Effects of Egg Turning Failure to turn eggs can lead to poor hatching rates, deformities, and weak chicks. Studies show that not turning eggs at all can result in a hatching rate of only 29%, while turning them properly can significantly improve outcomes. 4.4 Egg Turning Method Eggs should be turned 90 degrees, either forward or horizontally at 45 degrees. Care should be taken to avoid shaking or damaging the eggs. 5. Cooling Eggs 5.1 Purpose of Cooling Cooling helps dissipate excess heat, provides fresh air, and stimulates embryonic development. It is especially important in hot weather or when the incubator becomes too warm. 5.2 Cooling Requirements In cold weather, the incubator should maintain stable conditions. In hot seasons, cooling is necessary if ventilation is inadequate. Cool eggs should be done in short sessions, typically 15–20 minutes each morning and afternoon. 5.3 Effects of Cooling While cooling has minimal impact on hatching rates under normal conditions, excessive heat without cooling can lead to weak chicks and lower hatchability. 5.4 Cooling Method To cool eggs, open the incubator’s vents or doors, turn off the power, and allow the temperature to drop gradually. Alternatively, use cool lids to slowly lower the temperature to the ideal range.

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