Hatchery Tips 2020 - Aviagen
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Hatchery Tips 2020
CONTENTS
Page
TIP 1 - Did You Know That If Chicks Are Held Too Long At High Temperatures, It Can Affect Their Growth?......................... 3
TIP 2 - What Is Your Meconium Score?................................................................................................................................ 4
TIP 3 - Let Your Eggs Guide You........................................................................................................................................... 5
TIP 4 - When Did You Last Watch Your Eggs Turning?.......................................................................................................... 6
TIP 5 - Hot Eggs Damage Chick Quality............................................................................................................................... 7
TIP 6 - How Often Do You Check Eggs Coming In To Your Hatchery For Hairline Cracks?.................................................... 8
TIP 7 - Have You Got A Hatchery Maintenance Plan In Place?.............................................................................................. 9
TIP 8 - Managing Chick Holding Room Temperatures........................................................................................................... 10
TIP 9 - Do You Make Regular Checks For Transfer Damage?................................................................................................ 11
TIP 10 - Check Hatch Debris Regularly To Identify Egg Turning Problems............................................................................. 12
TIP 11 - Calibrating Electronic Humidity Sensors.................................................................................................................. 13
TIP 12 - Keep Setter Floors Dry............................................................................................................................................ 14
TIP 13 - Keeping Chicks Comfortable................................................................................................................................... 15
TIP 14 - Pre-Warming Eggs.................................................................................................................................................. 16
TIP 15 - Calibrate CO2 Sensors Regularly............................................................................................................................. 17
TIP 16 - Temperature Calibration Probes.............................................................................................................................. 18
TIP 17 - Assessing Alternative Hatching Egg Disinfectants.................................................................................................... 19
TIP 18 - Correct Positioning Of Hatcher Buggies.................................................................................................................. 20
TIP 19 - Zero Calibration Of Pressure Sensors...................................................................................................................... 21
TIP 20 - Balancing A Set In Single Stage Setters.................................................................................................................. 22
TIP 21 - Check Hatching Egg Quality with UV Light.............................................................................................................. 23
TIP 22 - What is the best temperature for storing eggs?....................................................................................................... 24
TIP 23 - Egg Yolk Mottling.................................................................................................................................................... 25
TIP 24 - Mantain the fans in your Setters and Hatchers........................................................................................................ 26
TIP 25 - Be Careful When you Change to Difffenet Fans in an Incubator............................................................................... 27
TIP 26 - Analyzing Egg Handling with a Thermal Imaging Camera........................................................................................ 28
TIP 27 - Are you Measuring and Calculating your Chick Yield Correctly?.............................................................................. 29
TIP 28 - If you are Heat Treating Stored Eggs to Improve Hatchability (SPIDES), how Long Should The Eggs be Kept Warm?.. 30
TIP 29 - Chick Weight Loss Post Pull - What is Normal?....................................................................................................... 31
TIP 30 - How to Calibrate and Use Temperature Readings taken with Tiny Tag Loggers....................................................... 32
TIP 31 - Use Water Loss Data to Assess Setter Function...................................................................................................... 34
TIP 32 - How to Calculate Water Loss Correctly................................................................................................................... 36
TIP 33 - Checking Fresh Eggs for Unwanted Embryo Development...................................................................................... 37
TIP 34 - Hitting the Chick Yield Target................................................................................................................................... 39
TIP 35 - Do we Supply Enough Air to our Incubators?.......................................................................................................... 40
TIP 36 - Chick Box Layout for Laminar Ventilated Chick Holding Rooms.............................................................................. 41
TIP 37 - Making the Most of your Hatchery Data. Using Pivot Tables to Boost Hatchery Management.................................. 42
TIP 38 - Measuring Vent Temperatures Accurately................................................................................................................ 44
TIP 39 - How to Optimise the Timing of In Ovo Vaccination?................................................................................................ 46
TIP 40 - Using your Mobile as a Powerful Tool in your Hatchery............................................................................................ 47
TIP 41 - Correct Use of Tinytag Loggers To Measure Eggshell Temperature......................................................................... 49
TIP 42 - Is your Smartphone Safe to Take into the Hatchery?............................................................................................... 51
Page 2 Hatchery Tips
CHICKS ARE HELD TOO LONG
DIDHIGH
AT YOU TEMPERATURES,
KNOW THAT IF IT
CHICKS
CAN AFFECT ARE HELD DID YOUTOO
THEIR LONG
GROWTH?
KNOW THAT
CHICKS ARE
IF
HELD TOO LONG
AT
TIP 1 HIGH TEMPERATURES,
Did You Know That If Chicks CAN Are AFFECT THEIR
Held Too
IT
AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, IT
GROWTH?
Long At High
CAN AFFECT THEIR
The newly hatched chick can not
Temperatures, It Can Affect
control its body temperature very
GROWTH?
Their Growth? The newly hatched chick can not
control its body temperature very
well. well.
Air temperature, humidity, and air
TheThe newlynewly
hatchedhatched
chick can not chick can
control its not
body speed interact and will all have
temperature very well.
AirAir temperature, humidity, andvery air an effect on the body tempera-
control
temperature, itshumidity,
body and temperature
airspeed interact and ture and the comfort of the young
Fig. 1. Chicks that are too hot.
willspeed interact andbodywill all have and the chick.
well.
all have an effect on the
comfort of the young chick.
temperature
It is easy to see if chicks are
It isan easy effect
to see ifon thearebody
chicks tempera-
uncomfortable from their uncomfortable from their
behaviour – chicks that are too hot are noisy and pant behaviour – chicks that are too
(asture
Air
shown and the1)comfort
temperature,
in Figure in order of the
humidity,
to lose young
heat.and air hot are noisy and pant (as shown
chick.
Chicksspeed that areinteract and
cold will huddle will
together all have
to keep warm Fig. 1. Chicks that are too hot.
in Fig. 1) in order to lose heat.
(see Figure 2) and their legs will feel cold. Chicks that are cold will huddle
In aan effect
recent onAviagen
trial, the the body Hatcherytempera-
Specialist team together to keep warm (see Fig.
Figure 1 Chicks that are too Fhot. ig. 2. Chicks that are cold.
showed that chicks that were panting had a high vent 2) and their legs will feel cold.
It
tureis easy
and to
the see if
comfort chicksof are
the
temperature (averaging 106°F), while comfortable chicks young
In a recent trial, the Aviagen Hatchery Specialist team showed that
had uncomfortable
chick.
a vent temperature that from their104°F.
averaged Figthat. were
chicks 1. panting
Chichadksa high thaventt atemperature
re too(averaging
hot.
When the two groups were held in the hatchery for 106˚F), while comfortable chicks had a vent temperature that averaged
12behaviour – chicks
hours, the over-heated chicks that are too
lost nearly twice as 104˚F.
much weight.
hot
It isare easy noisyto see andif pantchicks (asareshown When the two groups were held in the hatchery for 12 hours, the
Samples taken at the hatchery showed that chicks that over-heated chicks lost nearly twice as much weight.
had inuncomfortable
Fig.overheated
been 1) in order hadfrom to gut
slight lose
their heat.so they
damage,
could not absorb nutrients as well. Samples taken at the hatchery showed that chicks that had been
Grown behaviour
on in a broiler– chicks that
trial, these arewere
chicks too60g overheated
as well.
had slight gut damage, so they could not absorb nutrients
Chicks
hot arethat noisyareand cold pantwill(as
lighter at 35 days than chicks that had been held in
comfortable conditions.
huddle
shown Grown on in a broiler trial, these chicks were 60g lighter at 35 days
in Fig. 1)toinkeep
together orderwarm to lose(see heat. Fig. thanFigure chicks that had been held in comfortable conditions.
2 Chicks that are cold.
2) and their legs will feel cold. Fig. 2. Chicks that are cold.
9
Chicks that are cold will huddle 8
Weight loss % after 12 hours
Intogether
a recentto trial, keepthe warm Aviagen
(see Fig. Hatchery Specialist7
6 team showed that
chicks
2) and that theirwere legs panting
will feel had cold.a high vent Fig4 . 2temperature
5 . Chicks tha(averaging t are cold.
106˚F), while comfortable chicks had a 32vent temperature that averaged
In a recent trial, the Aviagen Hatchery Specialist
104˚F. 1 team showed that
0
chicks that were panting had a high vent temperature 1 06 ˚F (averaging
Vent temperature
104˚F
106˚F),the
When whiletwocomfortable
groups werechicks held inhad theahatchery
vent temperature for 12 hours, that averaged
the
104˚F.
over-heated chicks lost nearly twice as much weight. A service to hatchery personnel from Aviagen www.aviagen.com
First published in International Hatchery Practice
Hatchery Tips Page 3
TIP
WHAT2 IS YOUR
WHAT IS YOUR
What Is YourMECONIUM
MECONIUM SCORE?
Meconium Score?
SCORE?
If chicks are held in the hatcher for too long, they do not grow as well in
IfIfIf chicks
chicks are
are held
held in
in the
the hatcher
chicks are held in the hatcher
hatcher for for too
too
too long,
for house.
long, they
long,
they do
do not
they do
not grow
grow as as well
well inin eggs are in groups 4 or 5, then the chicks
the broiler A good waynotto tell Ifif the
thisdirtiest
is happening is to check how
the
the broiler
broiler house.
house. A
grow as well in the broilerA good
good way
way to
to
house. tell
tell if
if this
this is
is happening
happening is
is to
to check
check how
how
many of theAeggs goodinway to tell basket
a hatcher if arearebeing left with
stained in themeconium
hatcher for too long. Delay the next
(the
many
many
this isof ofhappening
the
the eggs
eggs ininisaatohatcher
hatcher
check basket
basket
how manyare
are stained
stained with
with meconium
of the eggs meconium
in set by (the
(the
3 hours and make a note to check again when
dark green first droppings of the chick).
S YOUR dark
dark green
a hatchergreenbasket
first
first droppings
droppings
green first droppings of the chick).
are stained of
of the
the
withchick).
chick).
meconium (the dark these eggs hatch in 3 weeks time. When you check
them, if there are still eggs in groups 4 or 5 you will need
IUM
? from
To
To SCORE?
Tofind
find
findout
from
out
outwhat
each
what
whatyour
eacheggs
5 dirtiest of
your
of 55 hatcher
hatcher
To find out what your meconium score
yourmeconium
meconium
meconium
traysofper
from each per
score
score
score
flock.
is,
is,is,
pick
pick
flock. Select
5 hatcher Select
out
outout
pick
traysthe
the
the
thethe
pereggs
eggs
55 dirtiest
dirtiest
immediately
flock.immediately
is, pickthe
to delay
eggs
eggs
outnext
the 5setdirtiest
from each of 5 hatcher trays per flock. Select the eggs immediately
trays
eggs 3 hours.
by a further
If all the eggs are clean, check that your total incubation
Select the eggs are chicks
after the the
immediately are are
removed from the hatcher.
is notScore the eggs
– thisagainst
after
after the
the chicks
chicks removedafter
are removed from thechicks
from the hatcher.
hatcher. removed
Score
Score the time
the eggs
eggs against
against too short would be indicated by wet
from the hatcher. Score thethe5-point
eggs scale shown
against the below.
5-point chicks in each hatcher basket and, if very short, live
the
the 5-point
5-point
n the hatcher scale
scale
for too shown
shown
long, theybelow.
below.
do not grow as well in
g, they scale
do notshown
grow as well in
below. pipped embryos.
A good way to tell if this is happening is to check how
is happening is to check how If your meconium scores vary from tray to tray, setter
in a hatcher basket are stained with meconium (the
tained with meconium (the temperatures may be variable. Use the meconium scores
oppings of the chick). to adjust setting times so that clean eggs predominate
on every tray.
our meconium score is, pick out the 5 dirtiest eggs
pick out the 5 dirtiest eggs Remember to check every hatch – flock age, egg age,
tcher trays per flock. Select the eggs immediately and season can all affect the total incubation time.
ect the eggs immediately
e removed from the hatcher. Score the eggs against
her. Score the eggs against
shown below.
1 2 3 too long
Incubation time Incubation time too short
11 22 33
Clean egg shells
5 or more dirty eggs per tray
1. Clean in hatch debris
11.. CClleeaann
All chicks dry at time
2. Almost clean Some chicks still wet
moosstt cclleeaann of chick take-off
22..AAllm
3. Slight marks Live pipped embryos
33.. SSlliigghhtt m
maarrkkss
4. Marked
44.. MMaarrkkeedd
2 3
3 4 5
44 55 5. Dirty
55.. DDiirrttyy
1. Clean
1. Clean
If the dirtiest eggs are in groups 4 or 5, then the chicks are being left in
IfIf the
the dirtiest
dirtiest eggs
eggs are are inin groups
groups 44 or or 5,
5, then
then the
the chicks
chicks are are being
being left
left in
in
2. Ahatcher
the lmost cfor leantoo long. Delay the next set by 3 hours and make a note
the2. Ahatcher
the lmost cfor
hatcher lfor
eantoo
too long.
long. Delay
Delay the the next
next set set by
by 33 hours
hours and and makemake aa notenote
to check again when these eggs hatch in 3 weeks time. When you
to
to check
check again again whenwhen these
these 3.eggs
eggs hhatch
thatch
Sligthem, maifrkinsin 33 weeks
weeks time.
time. When When you you
3. Sligthem, ht maifrifkthere
sthere are check there are still eggs in groups 4 or 5 you will need to
check
check them, are still
still eggs
eggs in in groups
groups 44 or or 55 you
you will will need
need to to
delay the next set by a further 3 hours.
delay
delay the the next
next setset by by aa further
further 3
4. Marked3 hours.
hours.
4. Marked
5 If all the eggs are clean, check that your total incubation time is not too
IfIf all
all the
the eggs
eggs are are clean,
clean, check
check
5. Dirtthat
that
y your your total
total incubation
incubation time time isis not
not too
too
5. Dirty short – this would be indicated by wet chicks in each hatcher basket
short
short –– this this would
would be be indicated
indicated by by wet
wet chicks
chicks in in each
each hatcher
hatcher basket basket
and, if very short, live pipped embryos.
are inand,
and,
groups ifif very
very
4 orshort,
short,
5, then live
livethe
pipped
pipped
chicks embryos.
embryos.
are being left in First published in International Hatchery Practice
n the chicks are being left in
long. Page
Delay4the next set by 3 hours If yourand make a scores
meconium note vary from tray to tray, setter temperatures may
by 3 hours
IfIf your
your and make a note Hatchery Tips
en these eggsmeconium
meconium
hatch in 3scores
scores
weeksbe vary
vary
time.from
from
When
variable.
tray
trayyouto
to tray,
tray, setter
setter temperatures
temperatures may may
Use the meconium scores to adjust setting times so that
3 weeks time. When you
re are be
be variable.
still variable.
eggs in Use Use the
groups the4meconium
meconium
or 5 you will scores
scores
needtototoadjust
adjust setting
setting times times soso that
that
When you set up your incubator, did you know
LETthe
you YOUR EGGS on whether the incuba
best guidance
GUIDE
are YOU
correct?
When you set up your incubator, did you know that your eggs can give
Incubator temperature sensors measure air t
you the best guidance on whether the incubator temperature settings
are correct?
places in the machine. For practical reasons
TIP 3 Incubator temperature sensors measure air temperature at various
somewhere
places in the machine.they do reasons
For practical not get inhave
sensors theto beway
sited of load
Let Your Eggs Guide You somewhere they do not get in the way of loading or cleaning. Because
ofthis,this,
of they
they may mayreflect
not always notthealways reflect
air temperature that is the air tem
experienced by the eggs.
experienced by the eggs.
Provided that everything is
correctly set up, and the
When you set up your incubator, did you know that your
eggs can give you the best guidance on whether the
machine is well maintained,
then the air temperature is a
Pr
incubator temperature settings are correct? good indicator that the co
embryo temperatures are
Incubator temperature sensors measure air temperature correct as well. But if not, m
at various places in the machine. For practical reasons the machine temperature
sensors have to be sited somewhere they do not get may not predict embryo th
in the way of loading or cleaning. Because of this, temperature as accurately
as you would like it to.
go
they may not always reflect the air temperature that is
experienced by the eggs.
Once the setter has
em
Provided that everything is correctly set up, and the stabilised, it is wise to co
machine is well maintained, then the air temperature calibrate the machine
is a good indicator that the embryo temperatures are sensors. This should be done th
using an accurate, certified
correct as well. But if not, the machine temperature
calibration thermometer, every time the machine is loaded (single stage) m
may not predict embryo temperature as accurately as
you would like it to.
or monthly (multi stage). But this only tells you whether the air
temperature recorded by the machine sensors is accurate. It may not be
te
Once the setter has stabilised, it is wise to calibrate at a level which is optimal for the embryos. So, you should also check
that your eggs reflect the temperature calibration.
as
the machine sensors. This should be done using an
accurate, certified calibration thermometer, every time
Check the egg shell temperature on day 2 of incubation, when the eggs
the machine is loaded (single stage) or monthly (multi O
are up to incubator temperature but the embryo is too small to be
stage). But this only tells you whether the air temperature producing heat. The eggshell temperatures should all be within ±0.2°F
recorded by the machine sensors is accurate. It may st
(0.1°C) of the air temperature in most types of setter. If they are not, it
not be at a level which is optimal for the embryos.
So, you should also check that your eggs reflect the
ca
could indicate something is wrong (for example worn door seals,
sticking solenoids, etc).
temperature calibration. se
Check the egg shell temperature on day 2 of incubation, us
when the eggs are up to incubator temperature but the
embryo is too small to be producing heat. The eggshell calibration thermometer, every time the mach
temperatures should all be within ±0.2°F or monthly (multi stage). But this only tells yo
(0.1°C) of the air temperature in most types of setter.
If they are not, it could indicate something is wrong
temperature recorded by the machine sensor
(for example worn door seals, sticking solenoids, etc). at a level which is optimal for the embryos. S
that your eggs reflect the temperature calibra
Check the egg shell temperature on day 2 of
are up to incubator temperature but the emb
producing heat. The eggshell temperatures s
A service to hatchery personnel from Aviagen www.aviagen.com
(0.1°C) of the airFirsttemperature in most types o
published in International Hatchery Practice
Hatchery Tips
could indicate something is wrong (for Page 5
examp
sticking solenoids, etc).
CHICKS ARE HELD TOO LONG l Didyour
watch the eggs
eggsturn when you expected them to?
turning:
l Did all the trolleys/trays turn?
AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, IT
l Wasthe
l Did theeggs
turning
turnsmooth
when youandexpected
gentle? them to?
l Wasallthe
l Did theturning angle correct
trolleys/trays turn? on all the trolleys/trays?
l Was the turning smooth and gentle?
Incorrect turning angles,
angleorcorrect
completeon allturning failure, are among the
CAN AFFECT THEIR GROWTH?
l Was the turning the trolleys/trays?
most frequent issues we identify on hatchery visits. The impact of mildly
suboptimal
Incorrect turning
turning anglesoron
angles, hatch can
complete be subtle,
turning butare
failure, willamong
includethe
increased
most levels
frequent of early
issues we and late on
identify dead embryos,
hatchery malpositions
visits. The impactin ofthemildly
late
deads and also
suboptimal unabsorbed
turning angles onalbumen
hatch cancovering somebutchicks.
be subtle, If you do
will include
TIP 4
not correctlevels
increased turning issuesand
of early as late
soondead
as they are found,
embryos, it will costinyou
malpositions the late
chicks.and
deads Turning
also problems
unabsorbed willalbumen
affect embryo
coveringdevelopment
some chicks. mostIf you
severely
do
when they happen early in incubation.
not correct turning issues as soon as they are found, it will cost you
The newly
When Didhatched chick
You Last can notYour Eggs Turning?
Watch chicks. Turning problems will affect embryo development most severely
Turning angle of 31.6 degrees is too shallow. Target is 40-45 degrees
when they happen early in incubation.
control its body temperature very
Turning angle of 31.6 degrees is too shallow. Target is 40-45 degrees
well.
All hatchery managers are busy and it can be difficult
to find time to just observe eggs in your setters. But,
Air temperature, humidity, and air
egg turning is essential for good hatchability and the
turning angle, turning frequency, and the smoothness
speed interact and will all have
of the turn are of key importance. So, make some time
to watch your eggs turning:
•
anDideffect on the body tempera-
the eggs turn when you expected them to?
• ture and the comfort
Did all the trolleys/trays turn? of the young
• Was the turning smooth and gentle?
• chick.
Was the turning angle correct on all the trolleys/ Fig. 1. Chicks that are too hot.
trays?
Getting the1turning
Figure angle
Turning just of
angle right at 42
31.6 degrees.is too shallow. Target
degrees
Incorrect turning angles, or complete turning failure, are
It is easy to see if chicks are
among the most frequent issues we identify on hatchery
visits. The impact of mildly suboptimal turning angles on
is 40-45 degrees.
Getting the turning angle just right at 42 degrees.
uncomfortable from their
hatch can be subtle, but will include increased levels
of early and late dead embryos, malpositions in the late
behaviour – chicks that are too
deads and also unabsorbed albumen covering some
chicks. If you do not correct turning issues as soon as
hot are noisy and pant (as shown
they are found, it will cost you chicks. Turning problems
in Fig. 1) in order to lose heat.
will affect embryo development most severely when
they happen early in incubation.
Chicks that are cold will huddle
together to keep warm (see Fig. Figure 2 Getting the turning angle just right at 42 degrees.
2) and their legs will feel cold. Fig. 2. Chicks that are cold.
A service to hatchery personnel from Aviagen www.aviagen.com
A service to hatchery personnel from Aviagen www.aviagen.com
In a recent trial, the Aviagen Hatchery Specialist team showed that
chicks that were panting had a high vent temperature (averaging
106˚F), while comfortable chicks had a vent temperature that averaged
104˚F.
When the two groups were held in the hatchery for 12 hours, the
over-heated chicks lost nearly twice as much weight.
First published in International Hatchery Practice
Page 6 Hatchery Tips
grades at the hatchery, but also performance on the broiler farm will be
poorer. Chicks from eggs which have been overheated will not grow as
well, and will tend to have higher mortality throughout the flock life.
Feed conversion may also suffer.
LET YOUR EGGS
GUIDE YOU
When you set up your incubator, did you know that your eggs can give
you the best guidance on whether the incubator temperature settings
are correct?
TIP 5 Hot area in a single stage setter
If ventilation is adequate, hatchability is not usually affected until higher
Incubator temperature sensors measure air temperature at various
EGGS
Hot DAMAGE
Eggs Damage Chick
eggshell Quality
temperatures are reached.
places in the machine. For practical reasons sensors have to be sited
somewhere they do not get in the way of loading or cleaning. Because
HOTQUALITY
CK EGGS DAMAGEIt is easy to visualise the variation in eggshell temperature in the setters of this, they may not always reflect the air temperature that is
experienced by the eggs.
Hot area in a single stage setter
CHICK QUALITY by entering the temperatureseggshell
If ventilation is adequate, hatchability is not usually affected until higher
into antemperatures
Excel spreadsheet,
are reached.and plotting a
Provided that everything is
an optimalThereembryo
is an temperature
optimal embryo graphembryos
rangetemperature
where using thewill
range chart
be type ‘surface’
where spreadsheet, and theand option ‘contour’.
plotting In correctly
a graph theusingsetthe up,chart
and thetype
ble. When
There aneggs
isembryos
optimalget too
be hot,
embryo
will chick quality
temperature
comfortable. example
will where
range
When eggs given
suffer longbelow,
embryos
get before
too taken
will
hot, be from a fixed
It‘surface’
is easy andrackthemultistage
to visualise the variation
option setter
in and
eggshell
‘contour’. temperature
machine
In wellinmaintained,
theisexample the setters
given
chickusing a will
thermal image by entering
iron colour the temperatures
palette, into an Excel spreadsheet, and plottingisaa
ity is affected.
comfortable.
chickWhen
qualityeggs get toolong
will suffer hot,before quality
hatchability suffer long before
is affected. below, takenthe graph
from shows
a fixed a cool
rack thenspot
the air temperature
multistage setter and
graph using the chart type ‘surface’ and thegood option ‘contour’.
indicator that Inthethe
hatchability
Check is affected.
the eggshell temperatures nearon thedays
door and 16 totwo18hot spots
using
example
in stacks
agiven
thermal7 andimage
13.fromiron
below, taken colour
a fixed rack palette,
multistage the and
setter graph
embryo temperatures are
e eggshell temperatures on days 16 to 18 of
of incubation, when the embryos are producing a lot incubation, when shows
using a a cool
thermal spot
image near
iron colourthe door
palette, and
the graph
correct two
as hot
shows
well. a
Butspots
cool
if spotin
not,
Check
yos arethe eggshell
ofproducing
heat, to temperatures
asee heat, on
lot ifofthere to days
aresee
anyif16 to 18
there areofany
dangerous incubation,
hot-spots whennear
stacks 7 and
the door and 13.
two hot spots in stacks 7theandmachine
13. temperature
thehot-spots
us embryos are producing
developing
developing in the inasetters.
lotsetters.
the of heat, toasee
UseUse if there
a Braun
Braun are any
ThermoScan may not predict embryo
dangerous hot-spots developing inorthe setters. Use temperature as accurately
infra-red
can infra-red earear thermometer,
thermometer, or
Tiny Tiny
Tag Taga temperature
temperatureBraunloggers
as you would like it to.
ThermoScan
or the eggs ininfra-red
loggers the earof
tocentre
monitor thermometer,
theegg
the eggs or the
in
trays Tiny Tag temperature
in ascentre
many of the egg
different loggers
toasmonitor the
trays
you can. ineggs in
as manythe centre of
different the egg
locations trays
as in as
you many
can. different Once the setter has
ocations as you
Chick can. will be affected wherever you find eggshell
quality stabilised, it is wise to
temperatures exceeding 102°F Places
(38.9°C). where eggshell
Chicks from temperatures calibrate the machine
ality will be affected wherever you find eggshell temperatures Places where eggshell temperatures sensors. This should be done
Chick quality will be affected
overheated eggs willwherever youexceed
hatch earlier, findsoeggshell
102°F
are moretemperatures
(38.9°C)
proneindicate that
g 102°F
exceeding (38.9°C). Chicks
102°F (38.9°C). from
Chicks overheated
frombe eggs
overheated will hatch
eggs will hatch
exceed 102°F (38.9°C) indicate that using an accurate, certified
to dehydration. They will also action
paler,isshorter
needed. Check
and the dooraction
seals,is needed.
calibrationfan Check door
thermometer, everyseals,
time fan
the machine is loaded (single stage)
oearlier,
are more
so are
yolk
prone
more
sac
to dehydration.
willprone
They will
to dehydration.
be bigger. Unhealed They also
willbe
navels
paler,
also
willbebe
shorter
paler,
more shorter
speeds, setting patterns (wasspeeds,
orthe setsetting
monthly patterns
(multi stage).(was the only
But this set tells you whether the air
yolk
and sac will sac
thecommon.
yolk be bigger.
will be Unhealed navels navels
bigger. Unhealed will bewill more common.
bespray
morenozzles,
common.cooling
balanced?),
balanced?), coils,spray
temperature nozzles,
recorded cooling
by the coils,sensors is accurate. It may not be
machine
ck quality
When chick isquality
poor, isnotpoor,
onlynotwillonly
there be
will more
there be culls
more and
culls down-
and down- solenoids, water isflows,
at a level which fanfor
optimal blades, turn- So, you should also check
the embryos.
When chick quality is poor, not onlysolenoids, will there water
be more flows,
cullsfan blades, turn-
t the hatchery,
grades but alsobut
at thedowngrades
and hatchery, performance
atalso on the
theperformance
hatchery, ing broiler
on
but farmfrequency
the broiler
angles
also and will
farmbewill and
performance being
thatangles
incoming
and frequency
your eggs reflect the and incomingcalibration.
temperature
air temperature and humidity.
hicks from
poorer. Chicks
on eggs
the fromwhich
broiler have
eggsfarm
which been
will beoverheated
have been
poorer. will notwill
overheated
air Chicks
temperature grow
from as
noteggs
and grow as Check the egg shell temperature on day 2 of incubation, when the eggs
humidity.
will tend
well, and to have
will
which tend higher
haveto havemortality
been higher
overheated throughout
mortality the flock
willthroughout
not grow as life.
thewell,
flockandlife. A sare upetotoincubator
ervic hatc herytemperature but theAviagen
pers onneltemperatures
from embryo is too small to be
www.aviagen.c om
Places where eggshell exceed 102°F
version
Feed may
conversion
will tendalsotosuffer.
may also higher
have suffer. mortality throughout
A s ervic e to hatc theheryflock producing heat. The eggshell temperatures should all be within ±0.2°F
(38.9°C)
pers onnel fromindicate
Aviagen that action is needed. Check
www.aviagen.c om door seals,
life. Feed conversion may also suffer. (0.1°C) of the air temperature in most types of setter. If they are not, it
fan
couldspeeds, setting ispatterns
indicate something wrong (for (was
examplethe set
worn balanced?),
door seals,
spray
stickingnozzles, cooling coils, solenoids, water flows, fan
solenoids, etc).
blades, turning angles and frequency and incoming air
temperature and humidity.
Figure 1 The pale coloured Hot area
Figure 2 in
Hotaarea
single
in astage
singlesetter
chick is
was overheated. Hot area in a single stage setter
f ventilation adequate, hatchability isstage setter. affected until higher
not usually
ion is adequate,
eggshell hatchability
temperatures is not usually affected until higher
are reached.
If ventilation
temperatures is adequate, hatchability is not usually
are reached.
affected until higher eggshell temperatures are reached.
t is easy to visualise the variation in eggshell temperature in the settersFigure 3 Chicks that are cold.
It is easy to visualise
inthe
toentering
by visualise thetemperatures
the variation intovariation
eggshell in eggshellintemperature
temperature
an Excel spreadsheet,theandsetters
plotting a
ng in the setters by entering the temperatures into an Excel
graph using the chart type ‘surface’ and the optionand
the temperatures into an Excel spreadsheet, plotting
‘contour’. Inathe A service to hatchery personnel from Aviagen www.aviagen.com
First published in International Hatchery Practice
ng the chart
example giventype
below,‘surface’ and athe
taken from option
fixed rack‘contour’.
multistageInsetter
the and
givenabelow,
using thermal
Hatcherytaken
Tipsfrom
image ironacolour
fixed rack multistage
palette, the graphsetter
shows anda cool spot Page 7
near theimage
hermal door and
irontwo hot spots
colour in stacks
palette, 7 and
the graph 13. a cool spot
shows
TIP 6
How Often Do You Check Eggs Coming In To Your
Hatchery For Hairline Cracks?
Identifying all the eggs that have cracked shells on arrival
at the hatchery is not easy, but removing and discarding
them will increase your hatchability and improve chick
quality. As the use of automated egg handling on
the farms increases, hairline cracks, in particular, are
becoming much more common.
‘Hairline’ cracks can be difficult to spot. They occur
when the force of an impact is just sufficient to crack the
crystalline shell, but there is no obvious surface damage
or disruption to the underlying shell membranes. Hairline
cracks may only become obvious after a few days in
the egg store when moisture from the egg contents
Figure 1
has had time to penetrate into the crack and produce
a faint grey line at the shell surface (Figure 1).
A good way to detect hairline cracks is to candle the
eggs because the moisture that has entered the crack
becomes illuminated brightly (Figure 2).
Eggs with hairline cracks can cause just as many
problems as eggs with more severe shell damage.
Research has shown that the hatchability of eggs with
hairline cracks can be reduced by almost 25%. In
addition, there is an increased level of contamination
in eggs with hairline cracks which seems to be carried
over to the chicks. The mortality of chicks hatched
from cracked eggs to two weeks of age was almost
Figure 2
four times that in the control group.
When the effect of hairline crack length on hatchability,
egg weight loss, embryo losses, chick quality and
contamination rates have been studied it is clear that
substantial detrimental effects still occur in eggs with
only short hairline cracks, such as that in Figure 3. So,
the message is clear. Cracked eggs and those with
hairline cracks are bad news for the hatchery. Not only
do they reduce hatchability through increased water
loss from the egg, but they are more likely to become
contaminated. This contamination is carried over onto
the farm by the chicks.
Figure 3
First published in International Hatchery Practice
Page 8 Hatchery Tips
HAVE
HAVEYOU YOUGOT GOT AA
HATCHERY
HATCHERYMAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
TIP 7
PLAN
PLANININPLACE?
PLACE?
Have You Got A Hatchery Maintenance Plan In Place?
During During hatcheryhatchery visits
visits weweoften oftennotice
noticethat
that maintenance
maintenance isisreactive reactive
rather than preventative
During hatchery visits we often notice that maintenance
rather than preventative – things areRegular
is reactive rather than preventative – things are only
– things are only
unacceptablefixed
onlyvisual when
readings.
fixedcheckswhen they
they breakdown.
break down.
should still be done several
This
Thiscompromise can
can compromise
fixed when they break down. compromise hatchability
hatchability and and chick
timeschick quality
a day to quality which are
which humidity,
ensure temperature, are the
the twotwo
ventilation
This can most important performance
hatchability and chick quality factors
andaturning
hatchery’s
are all as success
they should is measured
be. Over time it
whichmost
are theimportant
two most important performance
performance factorsfactorsshould
a hatchery’s
be possible tosuccess assess costs is and
measured
benefits of
a hatchery’s on.success
A scheduled is measured maintenance
on. A scheduled programme minimises
the maintenance programme. thePreventive
risk ofmaintenance
ma-
on. A scheduled
maintenance programme minimises maintenance
the risk of machineprogramme minimises
generally has the risk
benefits in all industries andof thema-
hatchery
failure andchine the impactfailure and the
of incorrect impact
machine of incorrect
operation machine
is no exception. operation
It contributes on
to a better hatch
hatchability
chine
on hatch andfailure
and quality.
quality. Aand A
few thethings
few
things impact
to to
consider ofwhen
incorrect
consider andwhen machine
chick setting
quality, saferoperation
up a
work maintenanceon hatch
environment, reduced
andprogramme
quality. A few
setting up a maintenance programme are:
are:things to considerinsurance whencosts setting up a maintenance
power and utility costs as efficiency is increased, lower
and retaining a higher value of assets.
• Have a dedicated person responsible for
programme
• Havereporting
maintenance a are:
dedicated person
to the hatchery re-
manager.
•
•maintained
Have a dedicated
Produce a list of all the equipment to be
sponsible including
person
forfrequencies.
maintenance re- re-
• sponsible
Keep portingfor
records on maintenance
to the
all hatchery
performed re-
maintenance.
• Keep track of the spare parts on hand.
• porting theto
manager.
Include the hatchery
building structure and ancillary
equipment in the programme.
• manager. • Produce
All sensors (temperature, a listhumidity
of all etc)
theneed to
equipment
be calibrated
• Produce to of
regularly.
a list be all
maintained
the
Maintenance is required on any equipment that can
the including
equipment to be maintained
affect performance frequencies.
of the hatchery. This includes Air filters need to be checked
• equipment
setters, hatchers, Keepfrequencies.
all records
chick on all
processing equipment, any Figure 1 Air filters need to bean d repand laced regregularly.
ularly
including
measuring (thermometers, hygrometers, Air filterschecked need toreplaced be checked
pressure performed maintenance.
water
gauges), ventilation,
• treatment
Keep records systems, alarm
generators, all possible
on systems
all and trucks. and replaced regularly
All performed
• Keep track of the spare
maintenance should
partsinstructions,
manufacturers’
maintenance.
be done according to
on hand.by using their provided
• Keep
checklists track
•andInclude
their of the
recommended
the spare intervals
maintenance
building
as a minimum. Keeping good recordsstruc-
is useful to
parts
monitor theon
ifture same hand.
and ancillary equipment
equipment keeps failing or needs
more maintenance than others as this could indicate
that• Include
there inis anthe the building
programme.
underlying struc-Keeping
problem elsewhere.
ture•and ancillary equipment
track of the spare parts and their usage avoids over
All sensors
ordering unnecessary parts. (temperature,
Some inofthe
the programme.
humidity
incubation etc) need now
manufacturers to beoffer technical Figure 2 Fan belts should be checked regularly and replaced
audits which are extremely helpful to get you started with as necessary – this belt is not fit for use.
your•maintenance
Allcalibrated
sensors program. (temperature,
regularly.
Monitoring the equipment Fan belts should be checked regularly
allows us toMaintenance
humidity etc) needistorequired
see if the equipment is
be on any
performing
the acceptable limits and to take action if we notice
within and replaced as necessar y
equipment
calibrated that can affect the
regularly. – thipublished
First s beltinisInternational
not fitHatchery
for uPractice
se.
Fan belts should be checked regPage ula9rly
Hatchery Tips
performanceisofrequired
Maintenance the hatchery. on any This and replaced as necessar yBody temperature in young chicks therefore depends on the surrounding
being too hot or cold are only environment. Yet it is crucial to help chicks stay in their thermal comfort
seen when DOA numbers in- zone after they hatch. If chicks are too hot or cold, they will use more en-
ergy during holding. If they are too hot, they will also pant and get dehy-
crease. On the other hand, it is drated. These chicks will not perform well on the farm.
not simple to keep chicks within It is extremely busy on a hatching day in a hatchery and it can be hard to
their comfort zone in a chick monitor and respond to chick comfort. Sometimes problems with chicks
being too hot or cold are only
holding room. There is not one seen when DOA numbers in-
crease. On the other hand, it is
ideal chick holding room temper-
TIP 8
ature, which is suitable in all
not simple to keep chicks within
their comfort zone in a chick
holding room. There is not one
Managing
hatcheries, becauseChickitHolding depends Room Temperatures
ideal chick holding room temper-
ature, which is suitable in all
on chick size, physical condition, hatcheries, because it depends
room humidity, chick box type on chick size, physical condition,
room humidity, chick box type
Newly andhatched
air speed
chicks around
cannotthe boxes.
regulate their body fansairinspeed
and the around
back corner
the boxes.allowed the chicks to maintain
You needtemperature
to find the ideal holding
You need to find the ideal holding
temperature very well. Body temperature in young
therefore depends on the surrounding environment. Yet
chicks a vent
room temperatures for different
above 103°F.
it is room temperatures
crucial to help chicks stayfor different
in their thermal comfort seasons in your own hatchery.
These chicks are too hot.
zoneseasons
after they in your own hatchery.
hatch. If chicks are too hot or cold, they One Aviagen internal study has
will use more energy during holding. If they are too hot, shown that vent temperature is a good indicator of chick comfort. A chick
they will also pant and get dehydrated. These chicks These chicks
will be comfortable when its are too hot. is in the range of 103-
vent temperature
Oneperform
will not Aviagen internal
well on study has
the farm. 105°F (39.4-40.6°C). Identify sample chicks and measure chick vent
temperature hourly in the chick holding room. If chick vent temperature is
It is extremely busy on a hatching day in a hatchery
shown that vent temperature is a good indicator of chick comfort. A chick
and it can be hard to monitor and respond to chick
too high, lower room temperature settings. If chick vent temperature
is low, then increase room temperature settings.
will be
comfort. comfortable
Sometimes problemswhen its vent
with chicks temperature
being too is in the range of 103-
105°F
hot or (39.4-40.6°C).
cold are only seen when DOAIdentify
numbers sample
increase. chicks
If chicksand measure
are sampled and chickchick vent measured at different
vent temperature
On the other hand, it is not simple to keep chicks within locations in the chick holding room you can determine where any hot/cold
theirtemperature
comfort zone inhourly in the chick
a chick holding holding
room. There is notroom.
spotsIfare.
chick
Then youvent
can temperature
use the information toisimprove chick trolley de-
onetooidealhigh,
chicklower
holdingroom sign, chick trolley placement in the room, air circulation in the room and
temperature
room temperature, which settings.
is If chick vent temperature
room ventilation, so that all chicks will be comfortable throughout the en-
suitable in all hatcheries, because it depends on chick
size,isphysical
low, then increase room temperature
chick box typesettings.
tire chick holding room. Using Excel to map the temperature distribu-
condition, room humidity, tion will help to identify problem areas. In Fig.1 the chicks were all slightly
and air speed around the boxes. You need to find the cold, except in the back right corner, furthest from the door. Raising the
ideal holding room temperatures for different seasons room temperature slightly, with some additional cool-
If chicks
in your are sampled and chick vent temperature
own hatchery. ing fans in themeasured atthe
back corner allowed different
chicks to main-
Onelocations in the chick
Aviagen internal study holding
has shown room thatyou can determine
vent where
tain a vent temperature aboveany
103°F.hot/cold
spots are. Then you can use the information to improve chick trolley de-
temperature is a good indicator of chick comfort. A
chick will be comfortable when its vent temperature is in
the range ofchick
sign, trolley
103-105°F placementIdentify
(39.4-40.6°C). in thesample
room, airFig.circulation
Figure in the
1 These chicks by room
are
1. Chick vent temperature location. and
too hot.
room ventilation, so that all chicks will be comfortable throughout the en-
chicks and measure chick vent temperature hourly in
the chick holding room. If chick vent temperature is too
tire chick
high, lower room holding room.
temperature UsingIfExcel
settings. to map the temperature distribu-
chick vent
tion will help to identify problem areas. In Fig.1 the chicks were all slightly
temperature is low, then increase room temperature
settings.
cold, except in the back right corner, furthest from the door. Raising the
If chicks are sampled and chick vent temperature
room temperature
measured slightly,
at different locations with
in the some
chick additional cool-
holding
A s ervic e to hatc hery pers onnel from Aviagen www.aviagen.c om
room ingyoufans
canin the backwhere
determine corneranyallowed
hot/coldthe chicks to main-
spots
are. Then you can use the information to improve chick
tain
trolley a vent
design, temperature
chick above
trolley placement 103°F.
in the room, air
circulation in the room and room ventilation, so that all
chicks will be comfortable throughout the entire chick
holding room. Using Excel to map the temperature
distribution will help to identify problem areas. In
Figure 2 the chicks were all slightly cold, except in the
backFig.
right1.corner,
Chickfurthest
vent temperature
from the door.by location.
Raising the Figure 2 Chick vent temperature by location.
room temperature slightly, with some additional cooling
First published in International Hatchery Practice
Page 10 Hatchery Tipsdamage
a bit further when than doing the astandard breakout.
DO YOU MAKE
tempting to believe that transfer
simplified QA check. Ideally, count out.
damage
To make isanrare. accurate Yet, when check weforvisit and
close to full term and slightly dried
Impact Thedamageshell membranes to egg shells are white dur-
REGULAR CHECKS FOR
the number of unhatched eggs
hatcheries,
transfer damage, we often
per tray in a full stack of hatcher you see
need to look
papery.
ing transfer. Impact was to the side
of the egg, and the embryos were
TRANSFER DAMAGE?
significant
abaskets,
bit further
damage
simplified
the TIP
when
eggs9inQAthecheck.
amounts
than the
doing aIdeally,
ofstandard
3-4 worst trays.
transfer
then look more closely at close to full term and slightly dried
breakout. count out. The shell membranes are white
the number
Ideally,
Do this Make
You
of unhatched
should be
Regulardoneeggs soChecksthat and Impact papery.
For Transfer damage toDamage? egg shells dur-
To
With make
per tray the an
increasingaccurate
in a fullcrew stack use check of au- for
every transfer is of hatcher ing transfer. Impact was to the side
transfer
tomation then
baskets, damage,
atattransfer,look twiceyoumore need
it is closely to lookat of the egg, and the embryos were
monitored least a month;
athebit
tempting further
eggs to ifthe
in than
believe the
3-4ofhave thatstandard
worst transfer
trays. close to full term and slightly dried
moreWith
often
the increasing
theyuse automation
new team
at transfer, it
simplified
Ideally, this isQA rare.
should check.
is tempting to believe that transfer damage is rare.
damage Yet,bewhen Ideally,
often we
wedone socount that out. The shell membranes are white
visit
members.
Yet, when we visit hatcheries, see significant
Excessive
the number of crewunhatched
amounts of transfer damage when doing a breakout.
hatcheries,
every transfer we often see eggs and papery.vacuum pressure on the
check is
To make
perneedtray
an accurate
in aat aamounts
bitfull stack
for transfer damage, you
of egg lifter has caused damage to the
significant
monitored
Transfer
to look
QA check.damage
least
further
Ideally, countisthe
ofnumber
twice
than the
caused ahatcher
transfer month;
standard
ofby
simplified
atthen blunt end of the egg.
unhatched
baskets,
damage
moreeggs per often then
when
tray inifatheylook
doing
full stack more
haveofahatcher closely
breakout.
new team
baskets,
rough
look more handling
closely at the when eggs in the eggs
the 3-4 worstare trays.
Figure 1 Impact damage to egg shells during transfer. Impact
the
members. eggs in the 3-4 worst trays. was to the side of the egg, and the embryos were close to full term
moved from thetwice setter
Ideally, this should be done so that every transfer crew
tray tooftentheif they Excessive
and slightly dried out. The shell membranes are white and papery.
Impact damage vacuum to pressure
egg shellsondur- the
Ideally,
To
is monitored
make this an should
at least
accurate be
a month;
done
check
more
sofor that
hatcher
have new team
basketcaused
members.
(cracks from ear- egg lifter hasImpact
ing transfer. causedwas damage to thetoside the
every
transfer
Transfer
Transfer transfer
damage is crew
damage,
damage you
is is need
caused to
by
by rough handling when
look blunt
liertheineggsincubation
are moved fromare easytraytoto the
the setter see, hatcher of theend egg,ofand the the egg.embryos were
monitored
a bit
rough further
handling
basket (cracks at least
than
from
whenthe
earliertwice standarda
thecontents month;
eggs
in incubation
are close to full term and slightly dried
are easy
because
to see, because in these in thesethe the eggegg contents will have
more
simplified
moved
completelyoften
from QAthe
dried if they
check. have
setterdried
out).Transfer new
Ideally,
tray
cracks will team
tocountthe
have some
out. The shell membranes are white
will have
drying completely
out, especially of the shell out).
membranes, but the
members.
thecontents
hatcher number still of
basket
will unhatched
be soft (cracks
(if the eggfrom waseggs
Figure 2 Excessive vacuum pressure on the egg lifter has
and
caused papery.
ear-or the Excessive
infertile,
vacuum
blunt end of pressure on the
Transfer
embryo died cracks will
early in incubation have some
the egg contents will
damage to the the egg.
pergenerally
lier
drying tray
in out,in beaespecially
incubation
still full stack
liquid). are easy ofofthe hatcher
toshellsee, egg lifter has caused damage to the
Transfer
The
baskets,
because damage damage
thenshown
inthethese in
look is
the
the caused
top
more photograph
egg closely by
contents is usually
blunt end of the egg.
athard Damage
membranes,
caused when but
tray orthe
buggy contents
has to be pushed will caused by a ridge or bar on
rough
the
willto get ithandling
eggs
have into position.when
in the
completely 3-4 the
worst
It tends to
dried eggs
be seen
trays.
out). aretop the handling equipment.
on the
stilltraysbe(aftersoft (if the
transfer) egg buggies
or on whole was if the hatchery
moved
Ideally,
Transfer from
this
floor is damaged.
cracks the
should setter
willbe
Excessive
have traysome
done
pressure intothethe
so that
vacuum
infertile,
lifter can damage or the theembryo
blunt end of the died egg;earlyin this case
hatcher
every
drying
the shell basket
transfer
out,
does not flake(cracks
crew
especially away is of
from from
the
the egg. ear-
shell
The other Figure 3 Damage caused by a ridge or bar on the handling
in common
incubation the egg contents
form of external damage is when the handling will equipment.
lier
monitoredin
membranes,
system incubation
has at but
bars or least
ridges are
the twice
which easy
contents
can cause to
a month; a see,
will
linear hole Damage caused by a ridge or bar on
generally
in the side ofstill the egg. be liquid).
because
more beoften
stillAlthough soft in these
if they
(if
it is fairly the
easy to
the
have
egg egg
was
identify new contents
team
the characteristic the handling equipment.
will
members. have
external
infertile, damage
impactor
completely
to the
caused
theembryo
at dried diedout).
transfer, it is possible for
early the Excessive vacuum pressure on the
Thethe damage kill shown embryoinwithout the top
damaging
Transfer
in shell. Whencracks
incubation the
this happens, willegg have
there
contentssome
are usually
will egg lifter has caused damage to the
blood clots
photograph
visible, caused by isrupture
usually caused
of the external blood vessels.
drying
Transfer out,still especially of the by shell
when thedamage
generally tray be is caused
or liquid).
buggy has to be blunt end of the egg.
membranes,
rough but the contents will Figure 4 Transfer damage does not always damage the shell;
Damage
shows a latecaused
dead embryoby a rough
ridge or hasbarcaused
on
pushedhandling hard to when get it into the eggs position. are this where handling
still
moved be soft
from (ifshown
thesetter eggin was the handling equipment.
bleeding, and the blood has then clotted.
The
It tends damage to bethe seen on the tray
the top to the
top First published in International Hatchery Practice
infertile,
hatcher
photograph or
basket the embryo
is usually(cracks died
from early
ear- Transfer damage does not always
trays
Hatchery
(after
Tips
transfer) orcaused
on whole Page 11
in incubation the egg contents will damage the shell; this shows a lateEgg turning is a key input for normal embryo development. Brooding
hens roll the eggs in their nests; in hatcheries, trays of eggs must be
tilted to either side of horizontal. For the best hatchability, eggs should
be tilted once an hour to achieve a 38-45° angle to each side. Hatcha-
bility will be depressed if turning angles are too shallow, or
turning is not frequent enough, especially in the first 7 days.
TIP 10
CheckDuring
Hatch Debris
the early stages Regularly
of embryonic To Identify Egg Turning
Problems CHECK HATCH DEBRIS
growth, the chorio-allantoic membrane
(CAM) forms to enclose the albumen.
REGULARLY TO IDENTIFY
This is the source of the network of
Brooding hens
EGG TURNING PROBLEMS
blood vessels seen on the inside of theUnfortunately, the critical sealed period is also the most
Egg turning is a key input for normal embryo development.
eggrollshell in hatch
the eggs debris.
in their nests; If turning is critical
in hatcheries, in- period for egg turning.
trays of eggsadequate
must be tilted for any reason, the CAM willIn order to identify and resolve egg turning issues,
to either side of horizontal. For
Eggeggs
the best hatchability, turning
should isbea tilted
key onceinputanforhour
normal embryomild
especially development.
chronic ones,Brooding
a routine hatch debris
not
to achieve a 38-45° form properly,
angle to each and
side. short-circuits
Hatchability
hens roll the eggs in their nests; inbreakout will the
hatcheries, traysshould
program of eggs be must be
implemented in every
be depressed small endangles
if turning
tilted to ofeither
theareegg,
side leaving
too shallow,
of a
or turning
horizontal. hatchery.The
For the A rise
best in both
CAM did
hatchability, early
not and late
reach
eggs deads with poor
the
should
is not frequent enough, especially in the first 7 days.
circulartiltedpatchonce withannohour covering of aCAM growth, malposition II or III or residual albumen
pointed end toof each
the egg, leaving
During the earlybe stages of embryonic to achieve
growth, the 38-45°
on angle
the hatched chick side.
is a strong Hatcha-of a turning
indication
blood
chorio-allantoic vessels. forms to enclose issue. some
bility will be depressed if turning angles are too shallow, or
membrane (CAM) Check albumen
the turning unavailable
angle in todirections, and
both
the albumen. This is the source of the network of make sure thattheeggs
developing embryo
are turned once an hour with
blood vessels seen turning is inside
on the not frequent
of the eggenough,
shell in especially 7 days.
in the firstopening
regular inspection, the setter door to do so.
Failure
hatch debris. of egg
If turning turning for
is inadequate or any
inadequate
reason,
the CAM willegg
not turning (frequency
form properly, or angle)
and short-circuits will cause raised levels of early dead
the
During the early stages of embryonic
small end of the egg, leaving a circular patch with no
(membrane
covering of bloodgrowth,
and blood ring) and late
vessels. the chorio-allantoic membrane
dead embryos. The late deads will
Failure of eggshow characteristic
(CAM)
turning forms signseggofthe
to enclose
or inadequate turning
albumen.
turning failure due to poor growth of the
(frequency or CAM, This is the source of the network ofbottom of the egg. There will also
leaving
angle) will residual
cause raised albumen
levels of in
early the
dead (membrane and blood ring) and late dead embryos.
be more
The late deads willblood undersized
showvessels seen
characteristic
embryos,
on the
signs
and the
inside
of turning
incidence of two specific
of the
egg shell in hatch debris. If turning is in-end of the egg) and
failure due tomalpositions,
poor growth of malposition-II
the CAM, leaving (head
residual in small
albumen in malposition-III
the bottom of the(head
adequate foregg. anyThere
to will will
left)
reason,
more undersized embryos, and the incidence of two
also be
the beCAMraised.
will This specific combination of
embryo mortality
not form
specific malpositions, categories
properly,
malposition-II and
(head inissmall
a typical the
short-circuits indicator of egg turning issues
in the
end of the egg) and hatchery.
malposition-III
small (head to left) will be
end of the egg, leaving a Figure 1 TheThe CAMCAM didreach
did not notthereach theend of the egg,
pointed
raised. This specific combination of embryo mortality
circular patch with no covering
categories is a typical indicator of egg turning issues of leaving some albumen
pointed endunavailable
of the to theleaving
egg, developing embryo.
bloodproblems
Turning
in the hatchery. vessels. are one of the more some albumen unavailable to
common
Turning problems are oneissues
of the seen by Aviagen
more common issues hatchery the developing embryo
seen by Aviagen hatchery specialists when visiting
commercialspecialists
hatcheries. of eggare
Failure There
when turning
visiting
two main or reasons
inadequate
commercial
egg turning (frequency
hatcheries. There are two main
for this. In older hatcheries, multi-stage or angle)
incubators reasonswill cause
for raised levels of early dead
are getting older.(membrane
Their turning systems have become
and blood ring) and late dead embryos. The late deads will
this. Inthey
worn. Occasionally olderfail hatcheries,
completely, ormulti-stage
more often
do not manage show
incubators characteristic
to achieve areadequate signsangles.
gettingturning
older. of turning
Their turningfailure due to poor growth of the
CAM,
In newer hatcheries, leaving
with residual
single-stage albumen
incubators,
systems have become worn. Occasionally it in the bottom of the egg. There will also
can be tricky to spot problems because the focus is
on keeping they
be
failmore
the machines
undersized
completely,
sealed for the
embryos,
or more
first few often and the incidence of two specific
days do not
and this canmanage
make to achieve adequate turning in
malpositions,
people very malposition-II
reluctant to open (head
the an- small end of the egg) and
Figure 2 A chick with residual albumen on the down.
setter doors to check the turning. The
malposition-III veryto
(head bigleft)
modern
will be raised. This specific combination of
setters put agles. Inonnewer
big load hatcheries,
the turning mechanism with
andsingle-stage
this
can cause turning embryo
incubators,
angles to itmortality
can
drop be categories
tricky
below to spot
the optimum. is aproblems
typical indicator of egg turning issues
First published in International Hatchery Practice
in thethe
hatchery. A chick with residual
Page 12
because focus is on keeping the ma- albumen on the down.Hatchery Tips
chines sealed for the first few days and this
Turning problems are one of the moreYou can also read
