Shive Kumar

Assessment of pre and post-incubation parameters in Uttara breeder hens

A study was conducted to determine the effects of pre-incubation egg parameters on post-incubation parameters in Uttara breeder hens. A total of 2,890 hatching eggs were classified according to three egg weight groups viz. small (44-52 g); medium (53-57 g) and large (58-68 g). Results indicated that large-sized eggs produced chicks with higher hatch-weight than medium and small-sized eggs. However, no differences were observed for fertility and hatchability rates but significant differences were found for chick quality and chick weight. It was therefore concluded from the results of the present study that sorting of eggs by weight prior to incubation might be advantageous in producing uniform size hatchlings to meet specific market demands with focus on breeding for obtaining maximum number of saleable chicks.