Effects of storage conditions on hatchability of chicken eggs in a warm climate

Abstract

1. A total of 3792 eggs from AF Bosbek layer parents were used to determine the effect of storage time on the hatchability of eggs kept either small end up (SEU) or small end down (SED).

2. These eggs were stored at room temperature (27°C‐31°C) or in an air‐conditioned room (20°C‐23°C), for two, three, six or seven days and incubated in four replicate hatches.

3. Eggs kept SEU improved hatchability even for short‐term storage when temperatures were high.

4. Simple air‐conditioning can reduce the temperature sufficiently for the viability of the embryo to be preserved for up to a week.