Effects of Eggshell Cuticle Removal and Incubation Humidity on Embryonic Development and Hatchability of Broilers

Abstract

The effects of eggshell cuticle removal and two levels of incubation humidity 28.3 C [50% relative humidity (RH)] and 30.0 C (55% RH) wetbulb temperature (WB) on embryonic mortality and hatchability were determined from broiler hatching eggs laid during 38, 42, 48, and 54 weeks of age. Variables measured were: egg weight loss during the first 17 days of incubation, hatch at Days 19.5 and 20.5 of incubation, hatch of fertile eggs, stage of embryonic mortality, and chick weight at 21.5 days of incubation. Day 0 to 17 percentage egg weight loss was increased when the incubation humidity was lowered and the loss was greater than that observed after cuticle removal. A greater percentage of chicks hatched on Day 19.5 at 28.3 C than at 30.0 C WB. The percentage hatch of 38-week fertile eggs was improved at the higher humidity; the higher humidity also decreased late dead and increased pipped embryonic mortalities. Cuticle removal decreased early dead and increased late dead mortality. At Week 38 cuticle removal and lower humidity resulted in a decrease in chick weight at 21.5 days of incubation. For Weeks 42, 48, and 54 combined, pipped mortality was increased by higher humidity and late dead mortality was increased by cuticle removal. Water loss from the egg was increased by cuticle removal or by lowering incubation humidity from 30.0 C to 28.3 C WB, or by both, but lowering humidity was more effective. Changes in humidity and cuticle removal may affect vital gas exchange to different degrees.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Role of Spraying Hatching Eggs With Natural Disinfectants on Hatching Characteristics

“…As can be seen from this table that largest body weights were observed for chicks either at hatch or at pull out for propolis 14% and these results could be related with the results of decreasing egg weight loss during incubation as presented in Table 2. These results are confirmed with those reported by Peebles et al (1987) who showed that chick weight was reduced by increasing incubation egg weight loss from zero to 18 days. Also, Davis et al (1988) reported that low or excess water are incorporated into new tissues so affecting chick weight.…”

Effect of a Quaternary Ammonium Sanitizer for Hatching Eggs on Their Contamination, Permeability, Water Loss, and Hatchability

“…By contrast, this effect may be detrimental to hatchability in older flocks where excessive water loss may be a problem (Vick and Brake, 1986). Increased incubational humidity would be appropriate in order to balance the effect (Peebles et al, 1987).…”

A nanostructural basis for gloss of avian eggshells

“…When present, its thickness and chemical composition can vary across taxa, and may contain proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, calcium carbonate and calcium phosphates [29][30][31][32][33]. Although the cuticle's roles in embryonic development and antimicrobial defence of eggshells are well studied [32,[34][35][36], its role in modulating the visual appearance of eggshells is poorly understood [37][38][39]. The chemical composition and structure of the cuticle can differ from the true eggshell underneath [33], and therefore may interact with light differently.…”