Factors Affecting the Hatchability ofChicken’Eggs

eAn experiment was conducted to evaluate several factors affecting the hatchability of Luong Phuong’ eggs on the multi-period incubator in a completely randomized design. The results showed that prolonged egg storage time reduced the rate of embryonated eggs and hatchability but increased embryonated egg mortality. The relationship between egg storage time and embryonated egg rate was strong inversely correlated (r = -0,919; P<0,05). Spawning time during a day affected hatchability. The percentage of embryonated eggs and hatching rate reached the lowest in the egg plots laid before 7am. The highest rate was recored in the egg plots laid from 11am to 13 pm (P<0,05). There was no significant difference in the remaining spawning times. The age of hens also affected hatching parameters (P<0,05). The highest quantity and proportion of embryonated eggs were obtained in laying hen aged between 32-34 weeks. The percentage of hatched/embryonated eggs was lower at 27 weeks of age compared to that of 33-36 weeks of age (P<0,05). The highest hatchability was recorded in eggs weighing from 52-56g. Eggs having shape index in the range from 1.31 to 1.35 had higher hatchability than others (P<0.05). Egg disinfection by formaldehyde showed better hatchability compared to that disinfected by nebutol (P<0,05).