Poultry breeder Aviagen has released the 8th publication in its "How To" series of hatchery tutorials, aimed at providing practical advice for hatchery managers and supervisors. The latest "How To" document focuses on egg turning in the hatchery, which impacts embryo development and hatchability.
According to Dinah Nicholson, Aviagen global manager - Hatchery Development and Support:
“Egg turning problems are a frequent observation when members of the hatchery specialist team make customer visits. While complete failures are still rare, it is surprisingly common to see some trollies which have not been properly attached to the turning mechanism or have less than optimal turning angles.
“Turning angles can be very badly adrift, especially in older units or very large incubators, which may struggle when fully loaded. Turning angles need to be between 38 and 45 degrees, otherwise you can have raised embryo mortality with knock on damage to hatchability.”
The "How To" document contains a check list for setters and advice on the possible causes of failure to turn properly. A turning angle template, part of the range of Aviagen technical tools, demonstrating the optimum angle for incubating eggs, is also part of the publication.
Nicholson added: “Our unique 'How To' series provides an essential reference source for hatchery personnel. We identified a real need within the industry for clear, easy to follow advice and have produced the series as a result. We are delighted how well this publication has been received by our customers worldwide.”
Other titles in the "How To" hatchery series are:
Measure Egg Water Loss
Measure Chick Yield
Measure Eggshell Temperature
Identify Infertile Eggs & Early Deads
Break Out and Analyze Hatch Debris
Monitor Setter Temperature Variation
Check Your Chicks Are Comfortable
