![Sample our Environment & Agriculture journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5934/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Environment-Agriculture.jpg"})
Synopsis
Chicks hatched from eggs incubated at two temperatures (36.8 °C, 37.8 °C) but similar humidities (30 mmHg during the first 18 d and 40 mmHg thereafter) were reared for 12 weeks in groups of six at 22 °C and in a relative humidity of 45 to 55%.
The lower incubation temperature resulted in a longer incubation period. Female embryos utilised the energy of the egg better than males.
A possible difference in the relationship between the post‐hatching development of males and females and pre‐hatching environmental conditions was indicated by a higher viability at 14 d and a higher body weight after 12 weeks of cocks incubated at 36.8 °C. There were significant effects of sex on food conversion efficiency. Results suggest that pre‐hatching temperatures may influence post‐hatching energy utilisation.