Breeder age to determine incubation settings

摘要

Eggs from breeder flocks of different ages, have a difference in composition. As a result, embryonic energy utilisation and heat production are different. This is worth taking into account to optimise incubation settings, thus achieving high hatcheryperformances and good chick quality.During incubation, nutrients in the egg are converted to energy for embryonic development and growth. Due to limited oxygen supplies during the first seven days, an embryo uses mainly carbohydrates as an energy source. After day seven when functional organs for oxygen uptake are developed, yolk fat is used as the main energy supply. These biochemical processes produce heat as a by product and as a result embryonic heat production (HP) increases during the incubation period.