Effect of Egg Shape Index on Hatching Characteristics in Hens

Abstract

In this study, the effects of egg shape index on hatching characteristics (fertility rate, embryo mortality, hatchability of fertile eggs and hatchability), egg weight loss, chick weight, sex ratio and quality of chicks were investigated. A total of 960 eggs of ATAK- S hybrid parents obtained from Ankara Poultry Research Station were divided into three different groups (SI≤71, 72≤SI≤76, SI≤77) based on shape index and were used. A significant relationship between fertility rate and late embryonic mortality was found in the shape index groups. On the other hand, no differences were found in the rate of weight loss at 18 day, early and middle embryonic mortality, malposition rate, hatchability, sex ratio and chick quality among the shape index groups. It was concluded that shape index affected the hatching results and also that eggs of abnormal shape index should not be used for hatching.