Egg Storage Time Affects Incubation Yield and Hatch Window in Pekin Ducks (Anas Boschas)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage time on albumen quality, incubation yield, and hatch window in Pekin ducks (Anas boschas). A total of 1302 eggs were randomly distributed to seven treatments according to the storage time with durations ranging from 1 to 14 days. Each treatment consisted of 186 eggs with a two-day storage interval between treatments. The pH and Haugh unit (HU) of the albumen, egg weight loss during incubation (WL), hatchability (HTCH), incubation duration (ID), hatch window, asymmetry (ASS), percentile kurtosis (PK), and embryonic mortality were analyzed. A linear effect was observed forthe WL, ID, and PK and a quadratic effect forpH, HU, and HTCH over time. No significant effect of storage time was observed on ASS. Post-pipping embryonic mortality was linearly affected by storage time. Prolonging the storage period above 10 days reduces albumen quality and hatchability, delays the hatch of Pekins, and results in a higher percentage of post-pipping mortality.

Egg Storage Time Affects Incubation Yield and Hatch Window in Pekin Ducks (Anas Boschas)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage time on albumen quality, incubation yield, and hatch window in Pekin ducks (Anas boschas). A total of 1302 eggs were randomly distributed to seven treatments according to the storage time with durations ranging from 1 to 14 days. Each treatment consisted of 186 eggs with a two-day storage interval between treatments. The pH and Haugh unit (HU) of the albumen, egg weight loss during incubation (WL), hatchability (HTCH), incubation duration (ID), hatch window, asymmetry (ASS), percentile kurtosis (PK), and embryonic mortality were analyzed. A linear effect was observed forthe WL, ID, and PK and a quadratic effect forpH, HU, and HTCH over time. No significant effect of storage time was observed on ASS. Post-pipping embryonic mortality was linearly affected by storage time. Prolonging the storage period above 10 days reduces albumen quality and hatchability, delays the hatch of Pekins, and results in a higher percentage of post-pipping mortality.(AU)

Effects of a dry hydrogen peroxide disinfection system used in an egg cooler on hatchability and chick quality.

A sanitation method that could continually clean and disinfect the air and surfaces in a hatchery could provide a second layer of microbial reduction on top of routine cleaning and disinfection. A gaseous dry hydrogen peroxide (DHP) system has been used in other facilities for this purpose and could have potential for use in chicken hatcheries. Because the DHP is a true gas and can permeate through the entire hatchery space, contact with eggs during storage and incubation could potentially interfere with normal hatching processes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the DHP system on hatching parameters and chick quality. A total of 3,960 hatching eggs were collected from an ∼40-week-old Ross 308 broiler breeder flock and distributed in 2 treatments: treated and nontreated. For the treated group, the egg cooler was cleaned, and 1 DHP generator was placed inside. Two other DHP generators were placed in the common area outside as well. Both areas were treated for 7 D before placement of eggs, and then eggs were collected and placed inside the cooler over a 4-day period. Eggs were then stored for an additional 3 D after the last collection. Dry hydrogen peroxide levels were recorded each day during storage. For the nontreated group, all DHP machines were removed from the cooler and external room, and the egg cooler was cleaned. Eggs were collected in the same way for the control group as the treated group. After storage, eggs were placed into a single stage Natureform incubator. The eggs exposed to DHP showed higher (P < 0.05) hatchability of fertile eggs and lower (P < 0.05) early embryonic dead than eggs from the nontreated group. No other parameters evaluated were different between groups. Based on this work, the DHP treatment of fertile eggs had no detrimental effect on any performance parameter, with potential positive effects seen on hatch of fertile eggs and early embryonic dead embryos.

Clove essential oil in the sanitation of fertile eggs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of sanitizing fertile eggs with clove essential oil as an alternative to paraformaldehyde; effects on the reduction in eggshell microbial count, incubation yield, and neonatal chick quality were measured. A total of 1,460 brown fertile eggs with a mean weight of 58.64 ± 0.49 g (from 37-wk-old CPK [Pesadão Vermelho] breeder hens) were collected under aseptic conditions and randomly distributed into 4 treatments (nonsanitized and sanitized with grain alcohol, clove essential oil, and paraformaldehyde) before incubation. The count of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria was significantly lower after spraying with clove essential oil (2.30 ± 0.24 log10 CFU/mL) than on nonsanitized eggs (3.49 ± 0.34 log10 CFU/mL) or on eggs sprayed with grain alcohol (3.09 ± 0.14 log10 CFU/mL) but did not differ significantly from the count in the paraformaldehyde group (2.23 ± 0.29 log10 CFU/mL). The hatchability of fertile eggs differed significantly between the studied treatments. The mean values for the eggs treated with clove essential oil (84.69 ± 1.65%) and paraformaldehyde (81.87 ± 3.92%) were statistically similar but were higher than the negative control (74.03 ± 3.58%) and grain alcohol (73.59 ± 2.87%) values. In the Pasgar© score assessment, it was determined that the clove essential oil (9.21 ± 0.89%) had a superior effect on the physical quality of the chicks compared with the effects of the other treatments. Clove essential oil is effective and safe for eggs intended for incubation. Its use as an alternative to paraformaldehyde in the sanitation of fertile eggs is strongly recommended.

Alternative sanitizers to paraformaldehyde for incubation of fertile eggs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate an ethanolic extract of propolis and clove essential oil as a substitute for paraformaldehyde for the sanitation of fertile eggs. In total, 1,800 hatching eggs (from 40-week-old CPK [Pesadão Vermelho] breeder hens) were randomly distributed among the treatments (grain alcohol, clove essential oil, ethanolic extract of propolis, and paraformaldehyde). Spraying was the application method for all treatments except for paraformaldehyde, for which fumigation was used. The experimental design was a randomized block design with 4 treatments. Analysis of the incubation parameters was based on 6 replications per treatment. The egg weight loss was lower in the eggs treated with ethanolic extract of propolis (8.59 ± 3.34%) than in the eggs treated with grain alcohol (13.40 ± 2.87%), clove essential oil (12.96 ± 3.33%), and paraformaldehyde (13.05 ± 3.24%). The hatchability of the fertile eggs (51.39 ± 5.81%) and the hatchability of the set eggs (44.74 ± 6.79%) were negatively affected by the application of ethanolic extract of propolis. Late mortality of eggs treated was higher than early mortality in the grain alcohol (12.14 ± 4.72%; 2.86 ± 3.30%), clove essential oil (4.60 ± 5.95%; 3.03 ± 3.50%), and ethanolic extract of propolis (36.63 ± 6.60%, 11.98 ± 4.30%) treatments. The eggs treated with clove essential oil (67.90 ± 1.87%), paraformaldehyde (67.80 ± 1.85%), or grain alcohol (67.50 ± 1.92%) presented chick yields as expected. However, despite the ideal yield of eggs treated with ethanolic extract of propolis (69.25 ± 1.68%), its application at the concentration used in the present research is not recommended. Clove essential oil, when sprayed on fertile eggs as a sanitizing agent, did not differ from paraformaldehyde in relation to hatchery performance parameters.

Antibacterial activity of chitosan biofilm for the conservation of fertile and table eggs / Atividade antibacteriana de biofilme de quitosana para conservação de ovos férteis e de mesa

The aim of this study was to develop a chitosan biofilm against Salmonella enteritidis, for the conservation of fertile and table eggs. Two experiments were performed. Experiment 1: 400 specific pathogen-free table eggs were divided in a completely randomized design into four treatments, five replicates and each replicate with 20 table eggs. Experimental groups were assigned to control and 1, 5 and 10% chitosan treatment. The eggs were immersed in the chitosan solution. They were then exposed to Salmonella enteritidis and stored for 1, 24, 96 and 168h at 4ºC. The eggs were then washed with 10mL of physiological saline solution. Experiment 2: 80 specific pathogen-free fertile eggs were tested, the assays were assigned to control and 1, 5 and 10% chitosan treatment. Each treatment had 20 fertile eggs. The eggs were immersed in the chitosan solution. They were individually weighed and incubated. Egg weight, humidity loss, and hatchability (weight and length of newly hatched chicks) characteristics were assessed. In Experiment 1, comparison between treatments showed differences (P< 0.05) in the total recovered of Salmonella enteritidis on eggshell, with the lower values in 5 y 10% chitosan treatment at 96 y 168h respectively. In Experiment 2, chitosan did not show any effect on the egg weight and chick weight, where the average was 57.44 and 38.23g respectively. The humidity loss and chick length showed differences (P< 0.05), with the lower values in 5 y 10% chitosan treatment. The antibacterial activity of chitosan biofilm provide a practical tool against Salmonella enteritidis in fertile and table eggs because the chitosan did not affect egg weight and chick weight, relevant parameters in the poultry industry.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver um biofilme de quitosana contra Salmonella enteritidis, para conservação de ovos férteis e de mesa. Dois experimentos foram realizados. Experimento 1: 400 ovos de mesa livres de patógenos especificados foram divididos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em quatro tratamentos, cinco repetições e cada réplica contendo 20 ovos de mesa. Grupos experimentais foram designados para controle e 1, 5 e 10% de tratamento com quitosana. Os ovos foram imersos em solução de quitosana. Em seguida foram expostos a Salmonella enteritidis, e armazenados por 1, 24, 96 e 168h a 4ºC. Após, os ovos foram lavados com 10mL de solução salina fisiológica. Experimento 2: 80 ovos férteis livres de patógenos especificados foram testados. Os ensaios foram atribuídos a controle e 1, 5 e 10% de tratamento com quitosana. Cada tratamento teve 20 ovos férteis. Os ovos foram imersos em solução de quitosana. Em seguida foram individualmente pesados e incubados. Peso dos ovos, perda de umidade e características de eclodibilidade (peso e comprimento dos pintinhos recém-nascidos) foram avaliados. No Experimento 1, a comparação entre tratamentos mostrou diferenças (P< 0,05) na quantidade total recuperada de Salmonella enteritidis na casca, com os menores valores em 5 e 10% de tratamento com quitosana a 96 e 168h respetivamente. No experimento 2, a quitosana não mostrou nenhum efeito no peso do ovo e no peso do pintinho, onde a média foi de 57,44 e 38,23g respetivamente. A perda de umidade e comprimento do pintinho apresentaram diferenças (P< 0,05), com os menores valores em 5 e 10% de tratamento com quitosana. A atividade antibacteriana do biofilme de quitosana, fornece uma ferramenta prática contra Salmonella enteritidis em ovos férteis e de mesa, pois a quitosana não afetou o peso do ovo e peso do pintinho, parâmetros relevantes na indústria avícola.(AU)

Antibacterial activity of chitosan biofilm for the conservation of fertile and table eggs / Atividade antibacteriana de biofilme de quitosana para conservação de ovos férteis e de mesa

The aim of this study was to develop a chitosan biofilm against Salmonella enteritidis, for the conservation of fertile and table eggs. Two experiments were performed. Experiment 1: 400 specific pathogen-free table eggs were divided in a completely randomized design into four treatments, five replicates and each replicate with 20 table eggs. Experimental groups were assigned to control and 1, 5 and 10% chitosan treatment. The eggs were immersed in the chitosan solution. They were then exposed to Salmonella enteritidis and stored for 1, 24, 96 and 168h at 4ºC. The eggs were then washed with 10mL of physiological saline solution. Experiment 2: 80 specific pathogen-free fertile eggs were tested, the assays were assigned to control and 1, 5 and 10% chitosan treatment. Each treatment had 20 fertile eggs. The eggs were immersed in the chitosan solution. They were individually weighed and incubated. Egg weight, humidity loss, and hatchability (weight and length of newly hatched chicks) characteristics were assessed. In Experiment 1, comparison between treatments showed differences (P< 0.05) in the total recovered of Salmonella enteritidis on eggshell, with the lower values in 5 y 10% chitosan treatment at 96 y 168h respectively. In Experiment 2, chitosan did not show any effect on the egg weight and chick weight, where the average was 57.44 and 38.23g respectively. The humidity loss and chick length showed differences (P< 0.05), with the lower values in 5 y 10% chitosan treatment. The antibacterial activity of chitosan biofilm provide a practical tool against Salmonella enteritidis in fertile and table eggs because the chitosan did not affect egg weight and chick weight, relevant parameters in the poultry industry.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver um biofilme de quitosana contra Salmonella enteritidis, para conservação de ovos férteis e de mesa. Dois experimentos foram realizados. Experimento 1: 400 ovos de mesa livres de patógenos especificados foram divididos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em quatro tratamentos, cinco repetições e cada réplica contendo 20 ovos de mesa. Grupos experimentais foram designados para controle e 1, 5 e 10% de tratamento com quitosana. Os ovos foram imersos em solução de quitosana. Em seguida foram expostos a Salmonella enteritidis, e armazenados por 1, 24, 96 e 168h a 4ºC. Após, os ovos foram lavados com 10mL de solução salina fisiológica. Experimento 2: 80 ovos férteis livres de patógenos especificados foram testados. Os ensaios foram atribuídos a controle e 1, 5 e 10% de tratamento com quitosana. Cada tratamento teve 20 ovos férteis. Os ovos foram imersos em solução de quitosana. Em seguida foram individualmente pesados e incubados. Peso dos ovos, perda de umidade e características de eclodibilidade (peso e comprimento dos pintinhos recém-nascidos) foram avaliados. No Experimento 1, a comparação entre tratamentos mostrou diferenças (P< 0,05) na quantidade total recuperada de Salmonella enteritidis na casca, com os menores valores em 5 e 10% de tratamento com quitosana a 96 e 168h respetivamente. No experimento 2, a quitosana não mostrou nenhum efeito no peso do ovo e no peso do pintinho, onde a média foi de 57,44 e 38,23g respetivamente. A perda de umidade e comprimento do pintinho apresentaram diferenças (P< 0,05), com os menores valores em 5 e 10% de tratamento com quitosana. A atividade antibacteriana do biofilme de quitosana, fornece uma ferramenta prática contra Salmonella enteritidis em ovos férteis e de mesa, pois a quitosana não afetou o peso do ovo e peso do pintinho, parâmetros relevantes na indústria avícola.(AU)

Aspectos reprodutivos e desempenho de diferentes linhagens de matrizes de codornas japonesas / Reproductive aspects and performance of differents strains of Japanese quail breeders

Objetivou-se avaliar parâmetros reprodutivos e o desempenho de diferentes grupos genéticos de codornas japonesas com diferentes pesos iniciais de produção. O delineamento experimental utilizado para os dados de desempenho zootécnico das aves foi inteiramente casualizado, com esquema fatorial 3 x 2 (três linhagens: UEM1, UEM2 e Comercial (COM), e duas classes de peso: leves e pesadas), totalizando seis tratamentos, com oito repetições cada, portanto 48 parcelas. Cada parcela continha oito aves (dois machos e seis fêmeas), num total de 384 codornas. Foi analisado: a idade ao primeiro ovo, idade aos 50% de produção, idade de pico de produção e persistência de pico em semanas. O desempenho foi analisado por meio da produção de ovos, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar e mortalidade. Ainda, foi estudado a produção de ovos incubáveis. A linhagem COM apresentou maior peso vivo às seis semanas de idade, sendo UEM 1 e UEM 2 semelhantes entre si. Para a idade ao primeiro ovo, o grupo COM se equiparou UEM 1, sendo a UEM 2 foi mais tardia. Já para a variável idade aos 50% de produção de ovos a linhagem COM apresentou-se mais precoce em relação às demais linhagens. Não foi observado efeito do peso das codornas sobre a idade do primeiro ovo. Não houve efeito de interação entre linhagem e peso inicial das aves para nenhuma das variáveis de desempenho reprodutivo estudadas. Ainda, pode-se observar que não houve diferença entre os grupos genéticos ou peso corporal inicial para produção de ovos, quando considerado o período de 6 a 26 semanas de idade. Não houve diferença entre os grupos genéticos para consumo de ração durante o período de 20 semanas estudado e não houve efeito do peso inicial de produção sobre essa variável (P>0,05). A conversão alimentar kg/dz, melhorou pelos grupos das linhagens UEM 1 e UEM 2. Para a peso de ovos incubáveis o grupo comercial apresentou maior peso...(AU)

The objective was to evaluate the performance and reproductive parameters of different genetics groups of Japanese quails with different initial weights. The experimental design was completely randomized, with a factorial 3 x 2 (three strains (UEM1, UEM2 and Commercial (COM)) and two weight classes (light and heavy), totaling six treatments. Was used with eight replications, totaling 48 plots. Each plot contained eight birds (two males and six females), with a total of 384 quails. The COM line presented higher live weight at six weeks of age, being UEM 1 and UEM 2 similar to each other. For age at first egg, the COM group equated EMU 1, with EMU 2 being later. For the variable age at 50% of egg production, the COM strain was earlier than the others. No effect of quail weight was observed on the age of the first egg. There was no interaction effect between strain and initial weight of the birds for any of the reproductive performance. Also, it can be observed that there was no difference between the genetic groups or initial body weight for egg production, when considered the period from six to 26 weeks of age. There was no difference between the genetic groups for feed intake during the 20-week period studied and there was no effect of the initial weight of production on this variable. For the results of the feed conversion index kg/eggs, it can be observed that the best results were presented by the groups of the EMU 1 and EMU 2 strains. It was possible to conclude that genetic improvement of Japanese laying quails requires better adjusts and that an unimproved commercial strain may present similar results to the improved lineages.(AU)

Effect of vitamin E in ovo feeding to broiler embryos on hatchability, chick quality, oxidative state, and performance.

The objective of the present study was to ascertain the effect of in ovo feeding of vitamin E (VE) on the incubation results, quality, and oxidative state of newborn chicks and on the initial performance results. The design consisted of randomized blocks with treatments at different levels of VE (0.0, 27.5, 38.5, 49.5, and 60.4 IU). On 17.5 d of embryonic development, 780 eggs underwent in ovo injection using a manual needle. VE supplementation of 60.4 IU provided the highest hatching rate (P < 0.05) and shortest hatch window (P < 0.05). Better results regarding chick physical quality were observed in groups supplemented with VE (body weight, length, newborn chick quality score) and higher chick weight/egg weight ratios (P < 0.05). VE inoculation did not have any effect on the chicks' immunological system (P > 0.05). Greater development of the small intestine (intestine weight/yolk free chick weight and higher villi in duodenum) and better feed conversion over all periods studied (1 to 7, 1 to 14, and 1 to 21 d) were observed among chicks that received in ovo VE supplementation (P < 0.05). The total protein concentrations in the liver and striated breast skeletal muscle tissue were highest in chicks that received 60.4 IU of VE (P < 0.05). The highest catalase activity was observed in the livers of newborn chicks supplemented with 60.4 IU of VE (P < 0.05). It was concluded that in ovo VE supplementation improved the chicks' oxidative state, which led to improvements in incubation results, chick quality and performance results.

Aspectos reprodutivos e desempenho de diferentes linhagens de matrizes de codornas japonesas / Reproductive aspects and performance of differents strains of Japanese quail breeders

Objetivou-se avaliar parâmetros reprodutivos e o desempenho de diferentes grupos genéticos de codornas japonesas com diferentes pesos iniciais de produção. O delineamento experimental utilizado para os dados de desempenho zootécnico das aves foi inteiramente casualizado, com esquema fatorial 3 x 2 (três linhagens: UEM1, UEM2 e Comercial (COM), e duas classes de peso: leves e pesadas), totalizando seis tratamentos, com oito repetições cada, portanto 48 parcelas. Cada parcela continha oito aves (dois machos e seis fêmeas), num total de 384 codornas. Foi analisado: a idade ao primeiro ovo, idade aos 50% de produção, idade de pico de produção e persistência de pico em semanas. O desempenho foi analisado por meio da produção de ovos, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar e mortalidade. Ainda, foi estudado a produção de ovos incubáveis. A linhagem COM apresentou maior peso vivo às seis semanas de idade, sendo UEM 1 e UEM 2 semelhantes entre si. Para a idade ao primeiro ovo, o grupo COM se equiparou UEM 1, sendo a UEM 2 foi mais tardia. Já para a variável idade aos 50% de produção de ovos a linhagem COM apresentou-se mais precoce em relação às demais linhagens. Não foi observado efeito do peso das codornas sobre a idade do primeiro ovo. Não houve efeito de interação entre linhagem e peso inicial das aves para nenhuma das variáveis de desempenho reprodutivo estudadas. Ainda, pode-se observar que não houve diferença entre os grupos genéticos ou peso corporal inicial para produção de ovos, quando considerado o período de 6 a 26 semanas de idade. Não houve diferença entre os grupos genéticos para consumo de ração durante o período de 20 semanas estudado e não houve efeito do peso inicial de produção sobre essa variável (P>0,05). A conversão alimentar kg/dz, melhorou pelos grupos das linhagens UEM 1 e UEM 2. Para a peso de ovos incubáveis o grupo comercial apresentou maior peso...

The objective was to evaluate the performance and reproductive parameters of different genetics groups of Japanese quails with different initial weights. The experimental design was completely randomized, with a factorial 3 x 2 (three strains (UEM1, UEM2 and Commercial (COM)) and two weight classes (light and heavy), totaling six treatments. Was used with eight replications, totaling 48 plots. Each plot contained eight birds (two males and six females), with a total of 384 quails. The COM line presented higher live weight at six weeks of age, being UEM 1 and UEM 2 similar to each other. For age at first egg, the COM group equated EMU 1, with EMU 2 being later. For the variable age at 50% of egg production, the COM strain was earlier than the others. No effect of quail weight was observed on the age of the first egg. There was no interaction effect between strain and initial weight of the birds for any of the reproductive performance. Also, it can be observed that there was no difference between the genetic groups or initial body weight for egg production, when considered the period from six to 26 weeks of age. There was no difference between the genetic groups for feed intake during the 20-week period studied and there was no effect of the initial weight of production on this variable. For the results of the feed conversion index kg/eggs, it can be observed that the best results were presented by the groups of the EMU 1 and EMU 2 strains. It was possible to conclude that genetic improvement of Japanese laying quails requires better adjusts and that an unimproved commercial strain may present similar results to the improved lineages.

Macroscopic embryonic development of Guinea fowl compared to other domestic bird species

Since few studies have addressed the embryonic development of Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), the objective of the present study was to evaluate its embryonic development in the Cerrado region of Brazil and compare the results to published descriptions of the embryonic development of other domestic bird species. The commercialized weight for Guinea fowl eggs used in the experiment was found to be 37.57 g, while egg fertility was 92%. Embryo growth rate (%) was higher on the sixth day of incubation relative to other days. The heart began beating on the third day of development, while eye pigmentation and upper and lower limb buds appeared on the sixth day. The yolk sac was incorporated on the 24th day followed by chick external pipping and hatching on the 28th day. Comparisons revealed that the embryonic development of Guinea fowl exhibits both similarities to, and differences from, the embryonic development of other domestic birds. From three days of embryonic development, differences were observed among the compared species. Despite the same incubation period, Guinea fowl embryos develop faster than turkeys. All species begin internal pecking two days before hatching and internal pecking 24 h before hatching.(AU)

Hatching Characteristics and Growth Performance of Eggs with Different Egg Shapes

This study was carried out to identify the effect of the egg shape index on the hatchability, performance, and carcass yield of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica ). Eggs were incubated in three groups, according to three different egg shape index (SI) values (Group SI-I: 70.00-73.85%, Group SI-II: 73.86-77.71% and Group SI-III: 77.72-81.57%). Unhatched eggs weight loss (HEWL) was correlated with the egg shape index groups (SI-I: 18.51%, SI-II: 13.34% and SI-III: 13.96%; p 0.01), but not with the initial unhatched egg weight (HIEW), hatched egg weight (HEW), or eggshell weight of unhatched eggs (HSW) (p>0.05). The live weight of female and male chicks hatched from SI-I, SI-II, and SI-III egg shape index groups were compared at weeks 4 (female/male: 249.12/237.77, 244.69/236.35, and 241.52/229.72 g, respectively) and 5 (female/male:304.89/272.42, 295.76/274.34, and 285.42/271.29 g, respectively), and the results showed that females were heavier than males (p 0.05; p 0.01; p 0.001, respectively).The effect of egg shape index on slaughter weight (p 0.05), left leg weight (p 0.05), liver weight (p 0.01) and liver rate (p 0.01) was significant. Females were heavier at slaughter than males in the egg shape index groups SI-I (p 0.05), SI-II (p 0.05), and SI-III (p>0.05) (female/male: 296.87/283.80, 287.95/278.00 and 283.86/278.10 g, respectively). Males presented higher carcass yield in SI-I (p>0.05), SI-II (p 0.01) and SI-III (p 0.05) (female/male: 74.40/75.92, 74.50/76.44 and 74.80/76.42%) groups than females. Egg shape index had no effect on initial egg weight (IEW), shell blunt end weight (SBW), chick weight, shank length, growth performance or carcass traits, but egg shape indexwas correlated with egg length, egg width, and hatchability of fertile eggs (p 0.05).(AU)

Hatching Characteristics and Growth Performance of Eggs with Different Egg Shapes

This study was carried out to identify the effect of the egg shape index on the hatchability, performance, and carcass yield of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica ). Eggs were incubated in three groups, according to three different egg shape index (SI) values (Group SI-I: 70.00-73.85%, Group SI-II: 73.86-77.71% and Group SI-III: 77.72-81.57%). Unhatched eggs weight loss (HEWL) was correlated with the egg shape index groups (SI-I: 18.51%, SI-II: 13.34% and SI-III: 13.96%; p 0.01), but not with the initial unhatched egg weight (HIEW), hatched egg weight (HEW), or eggshell weight of unhatched eggs (HSW) (p>0.05). The live weight of female and male chicks hatched from SI-I, SI-II, and SI-III egg shape index groups were compared at weeks 4 (female/male: 249.12/237.77, 244.69/236.35, and 241.52/229.72 g, respectively) and 5 (female/male:304.89/272.42, 295.76/274.34, and 285.42/271.29 g, respectively), and the results showed that females were heavier than males (p 0.05; p 0.01; p 0.001, respectively).The effect of egg shape index on slaughter weight (p 0.05), left leg weight (p 0.05), liver weight (p 0.01) and liver rate (p 0.01) was significant. Females were heavier at slaughter than males in the egg shape index groups SI-I (p 0.05), SI-II (p 0.05), and SI-III (p>0.05) (female/male: 296.87/283.80, 287.95/278.00 and 283.86/278.10 g, respectively). Males presented higher carcass yield in SI-I (p>0.05), SI-II (p 0.01) and SI-III (p 0.05) (female/male: 74.40/75.92, 74.50/76.44 and 74.80/76.42%) groups than females. Egg shape index had no effect on initial egg weight (IEW), shell blunt end weight (SBW), chick weight, shank length, growth performance or carcass traits, but egg shape indexwas correlated with egg length, egg width, and hatchability of fertile eggs (p 0.05).

Efeitos da idade da matriz leve e do período de armazenamento de ovos incubáveis no rendimento de incubação / Effects of ages of light breeder hens and storage period of hatchable eggs on the incubation efficiency

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da idade das matrizes leves e do período de armazenamento dos ovos sobre o rendimento de incubação. Foram utilizados 7.224 ovos da linhagem Dekalb, distribuídos de acordo com delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, sendo a altura de bandeja uma covariável. Os tratamentos foram definidos pelas idades das matrizes (32 e 57 semanas de idade) e o período de armazenamento dos ovos (três, cinco e sete dias), totalizando seis tratamentos com 14 repetições. A idade das aves influenciou o peso do ovo. Houve aumento na perda de peso dos ovos das matrizes de 32 e 57 semanas de idade, durante o armazenamento (10,48 e 14,16 por cento, respectivamente) e na transferência (10,40 e 12,07 por cento, respectivamente). Verificou-se maior taxa de eclosão (86,90 por cento) em ovos produzidos pelas matrizes novas. Independentemente da idade da matriz, à medida que aumentou o período de armazenamento, houve diminuição na taxa de eclosão dos ovos férteis (86,06 e 82,39 por cento, para as matrizes de 32 e 57 semanas de idade, respectivamente). As matrizes com 57 semanas de idade produziram pintos mais pesados e com menor relação peso do pinto/peso do ovo.

The effects of ages of light breeder hens and storage period of hatchabe eggs on the incubation efficiency were evaluated. A total of 7,224 Dekalb hatching eggs were assigned according to the sample random design, and the hatching tray height was considered a co-variable. The treatments were defined according to the breeder hens ages (32 and 57-week-old) and the period of storage of eggs (three, five, and seven days), with 14 replications. The age of the hen affected the weight of the eggs. There was loss of weight of the eggs of 32 and 57-week-old breeder hens during storage (10.48 and 14.16 percent, respectively) and transference (10.40 and 12.07 percent, respectively) according to the aging of the breeder hen. Eggs produced by the younger breeder hens had a higher hatching rate; however, no matter the age of the breeder hen, there was a decrease of the hatching rate of fertile eggs (86.06 and 82.39 percent, for the 32 and 57-week-old breeder hens, respectively) whenever the storage period was increased. The 57-weekold breeder hens produced heavier chicks and lower chick/egg weight coefficient.

Efeitos da idade da matriz leve e do período de armazenamento de ovos incubáveis no rendimento de incubação / Effects of ages of light breeder hens and storage period of hatchable eggs on the incubation efficiency

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da idade das matrizes leves e do período de armazenamento dos ovos sobre o rendimento de incubação. Foram utilizados 7.224 ovos da linhagem Dekalb, distribuídos de acordo com delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, sendo a altura de bandeja uma covariável. Os tratamentos foram definidos pelas idades das matrizes (32 e 57 semanas de idade) e o período de armazenamento dos ovos (três, cinco e sete dias), totalizando seis tratamentos com 14 repetições. A idade das aves influenciou o peso do ovo. Houve aumento na perda de peso dos ovos das matrizes de 32 e 57 semanas de idade, durante o armazenamento (10,48 e 14,16 por cento, respectivamente) e na transferência (10,40 e 12,07 por cento, respectivamente). Verificou-se maior taxa de eclosão (86,90 por cento) em ovos produzidos pelas matrizes novas. Independentemente da idade da matriz, à medida que aumentou o período de armazenamento, houve diminuição na taxa de eclosão dos ovos férteis (86,06 e 82,39 por cento, para as matrizes de 32 e 57 semanas de idade, respectivamente). As matrizes com 57 semanas de idade produziram pintos mais pesados e com menor relação peso do pinto/peso do ovo.(AU)

The effects of ages of light breeder hens and storage period of hatchabe eggs on the incubation efficiency were evaluated. A total of 7,224 Dekalb hatching eggs were assigned according to the sample random design, and the hatching tray height was considered a co-variable. The treatments were defined according to the breeder hens ages (32 and 57-week-old) and the period of storage of eggs (three, five, and seven days), with 14 replications. The age of the hen affected the weight of the eggs. There was loss of weight of the eggs of 32 and 57-week-old breeder hens during storage (10.48 and 14.16 percent, respectively) and transference (10.40 and 12.07 percent, respectively) according to the aging of the breeder hen. Eggs produced by the younger breeder hens had a higher hatching rate; however, no matter the age of the breeder hen, there was a decrease of the hatching rate of fertile eggs (86.06 and 82.39 percent, for the 32 and 57-week-old breeder hens, respectively) whenever the storage period was increased. The 57-weekold breeder hens produced heavier chicks and lower chick/egg weight coefficient.(AU)