Effect of single and multi-stage incubation systems on hatching performance of broiler breeder eggs

Authors: OKAN ELİBOL, MESUT TÜRKOĞLU

Abstract: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects on hatching performance of single and multi-stage operations in incubators which can be used in both single and multi- stage. The experiment was carried out in two different hatcheries. In the first hatchery, eggs were collected from an old flock (63 weeks) and were divided into 4 groups randomly and were placed far from the fan (Group I), in the middle (Group 2), near the fan (Group 3) and the last group was moved every week by setting the first week far from the fan, the second week in the middle and the third week near the fan (Group 4). The first 3 groups were placed in the same place until the transfer time. The hatchability of fertile (H:F) eggs was significantly lower in the first group, while the highest H:F ratio was obtained from the third and fourth groups. In the second hatchery, eggs were collected from the flock of broiler breeders 34 and 60 weeks-old. All groups were tested the same as tin he first hatchery except the 4th group. The differences among groups were not significant for H:F ratio for eggs from breeders at 34 weeks of age. However, similar to the first experiment, when eggs from breeders 60 weeks of age were used, the H:F ratio was higher for eggs placed close to the fan.

Keywords: Broiler breeder, single stage, multi-stage, hatching performance

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