Effects of storage periods and positioning during storage on hatchability and weight of the hatched chicks from different egg sizes

Abstract

Background: This study evaluates the effects of storage periods (1, 4, 7, 10, and 13 days), egg size (small 60-64 g, medium 65-69 g, and large ≥ 70 g), and egg positioning with air cell facing either down or up during storage on hatchability percentages and day-old chick's weight. One thousand and five hundred (1500) fertile eggs from Arbor acre broiler breed were purchased and arranged each according to egg sizes into five (5) different storage periods of 100 eggs per storage period. Each storage period was subdivided into 2 groups of 50 eggs each based on positioning during storage. A completely randomized design in 3 × 5 × 2 factorial arrangement was adopted. Stored eggs were incubated for hatch with recording of weights of the hatched chicks, and the hatchability rate was calculated. Results: The results indicated eggs stored for a day and 4 days had maximum hatchability, but declined slightly as the storage period increased (92 to 78%). The eggs positioned down generally had better hatchability. However, mediumsized eggs had the highest hatchability percentage. On the other hand, large-sized eggs stored for longer period attained higher chick weight compared to medium-and small-sized eggs, but large-sized eggs positioned down gave a better chick weight. Generally, eggs stored with air cell down present superior chick weight. Conclusion: Storage period and egg positioning during storage affect the subsequent egg hatchability and weight of the hatched chicks from different egg sizes. However, egg storage must not exceed 4 days for optimum hatchability and weight of the hatched chicks. In addition, storing of eggs with air cell down might also enhance the hatchability and weight of hatched chicks irrespective of the weight of the eggs.

Research Note: Effect of egg storage length on spread of hatch window, chick quality, and organ development in Transylvanian naked neck chickens

“…Transylvanian naked neck chicken eggs seem to be highly sensitive to storage extension, in that storage for 3, 6, and 9 d had already caused a reduction of 18.2, 40.4, and 42.5%, respectively. Usually, hatchability in chicken eggs increases slightly to reach a peak between 3 and 5 d after oviposition ( Addo et al, 2018 ; Ayeni et al, 2020 ; Nasri et al, 2020 ; Rahardja et al, 2020 ; Abioja et al, 2021 ). Thereafter, further storage causes steady reduction in egg hatchability.…”

“…Similar to the present findings, other authors reported consistent decline in hatchability without any peak as eggs increased in days post-oviposition ( Khan et al, 2013 , 2014 ). It may be more economical to limit storage of TNN eggs to 3 d, or at most 4 or 5 d if other intervention could be put in place Ayeni et al (2020) . limited days of egg storage to 4 d for optimum hatchability while Khan et al (2014) pegged it at 3 d.…”

Quality assessment of chukar partridge (A. chukar) eggs during different conditions (time, turning and position) of storage

“…Several authors found similar results for eggs stored with pointed end up with regard to hatchability and embryonic mortality [4,11,27]. These significant differences between egg position groups disappeared after 21 days of storage period.…”

“…Despite the fact that egg storage time is known not to exceed 1 week in the poultry industry [2] which was probably due to albumen degradation with longer storage period [4]; many researchers have proved partridge eggs are more durable to longer storage period [5][6][7]. According to Caglayan, Alasahan [6], the internal quality of partridge eggs was deteriorated by long storage time.…”

“…In addition, scientific studies of partridge egg quality assessment in different conditions during storage period are still lacking. It's also hypothesized that turning the eggs with small end up position during long storage time might prevent those from adverse effects of deteriorating the albumen and development of chorioallantoic membrane [4].…”