Results of hatching and rearing broiler chickens in different incubation systems.

Hatchery efficiency is based on hatchability and the number of salable chicks. The hatchery sector has been seeking new alternatives to optimize production rates, including the use of different systems (multistage [MS] or single-stage [SS] machines) to improve incubation conditions. The present study aimed to compare results for hatchability, chick quality, and broiler performance of chicks from 2 incubator systems-MS and SS. The experimental design for hatchability, hatch window, egg weight loss, and chick performance variables was completely randomized with 2 treatments (MS and SS). Performance variables were analyzed as a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (incubator type x chick sex). Egg weight loss between incubation and transfer was higher for eggs incubated in MS (P < 0.05). Hatchability was higher for eggs incubated in SS (P < 0.05), and chicks in SS had a longer hatch window (P < 0.05). Embryo diagnosis revealed higher final mortality for embryos incubated in MS (P < 0.05), as well as higher percentages of alive and dead pipped and cracked eggs (P < 0.05). Physical quality was better for chicks from SS (P < 0.05). There was no interaction between the studied factors for performance results (P > 0.05). Incubator type did not affect broiler performance for any of the studied ages (P > 0.05), whereas male broilers had better performance than females (P < 0.05). The SS incubation system proved better than the MS system at meeting embryo requirements during embryo development, with better hatching rates and chick quality, although performance variables were not influenced by incubation type.

Effect of a commercial product containing canthaxanthin for in ovo feeding to broiler embryos on hatchability, chick quality, oxidation status, and performance.

In ovo feeding has been indicated to improve hatchability, newly hatched chick quality, and broiler performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of in ovo feeding of a commercial canthaxanthin product (CCX) containing lignosulphonate, corn starch, canthaxanthin, dextrin (yellow), and ethoxyquin through assessing incubation results, newly hatched quality and oxidation status and broiler performance at 1 to 14 d of age. A total of 780 egg were distributed in a randomized complete block design with 5 treatments (levels of CCX: 0.0, 0.35, 0.45, 0.55, and 0.65 mg/0.5 mL of sterilized and distilled water) and 156 eggs per treatment. The blocking factor was setters. At 17.5 d of embryo development, in ovo injected treatments were applied, using a manual needle. The in ovo feeding of CCX resulted in lower hatching rates (P < 0.05) and a longer hatching window (P < 0.05) as compared with noninjected CCX treatment. The CCX injection did not affect the bursa and spleen percentage of newly hatched chick (P > 0.05). In addition, a higher percentage of chicks with poor physical quality score (<71.0 points) was obtained among the chicks from eggs injected with 0.55 and 0.65 mg of CCX (P < 0.05). There were higher total proteins and catalase activity in the livers of the chicks injected with CCX. Broiler chicks in the control group (0.0 mg of CCX) presented higher BW and BW gain during 1 to 7 and 7 to 14 d of after hatch (P < 0.05). The viability (%) of chicks at 1 to 14 d of after hatch decreased with inoculation greater than 0.45 mg of CCX in ovo (P < 0.05). Although the CCX shown an improvement in oxidation status of chicks, the hatchability and performance of broilers decreased. We concluded that a commercial CCX is not recommended for injection in ovo, and furthers studies should carried out to elucidate the use of pure canthaxanthin.

Effects of breeder age on embryonic development, hatching results, chick quality, and growing performance of the slow-growing genotype.

The present study aimed to ascertain the effects of slow-growing breeder age on embryo development, incubation results, and chick quality and of the interaction between breeder age and hatching time on initial performance. A total of 630 hatching eggs obtained from a commercial flock of slow-growing broiler breeders (Isa Label Naked Neck) were evaluated in 2 experiments. The first experiment evaluated embryo development and hatching results for broiler breeder age treatments of 38 and 51 wk, whereas the second experiment evaluated broiler chick performance. For the second experiment, chicks were distributed in a 2 x 2 factorial randomized block (sex) experimental design consisting of 2 breeder ages (31 or 58 wk) and 2 hatching times (479-485 and 491-497 h). At 18 d of embryonic development, embryos of 51-wk-old breeders were larger than those of 38-wk-old breeders (P < 0.05), whereas yolk-free chick weight was similar (P > 0.05). Embryo organ weight was similar for the 2 breeder ages (P > 0.05); however, there was greater development of intestinal villi for embryos of the 51-wk-old breeders. There were no differences between breeder ages in hatchability and chick quality score (P > 0.05). Yolk-free chick weight at pulling was greater (P < 0.05) for chicks from 51-wk-old breeders. Hatching time did not affect performance from 1 to 7 d (P > 0.05); however, chicks hatching at 491-497 h had better performance from 1 to 28 d than did chicks hatching at 479-485 h (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the age of slow-growing breeders affects embryo villi development and chick weight but does not improve incubation results or chick quality. Chicks hatching later (491-497 h) had better performance results than chicks hatching earlier (479-485 h).