Influences of Types of Incubators on Hatchability of Eggs

Abstract

The egg incubator is a technology that is used to produce chicks without the mother hen's consent. Depending on the energy source used to power the incubator, there are various types of artificial incubators commercially available. Various types of incubators have their own influences and merits on the hatchability of eggs. If the influences of various types of incubators on the hatchability of poultry eggs are properly identified and promoted through scientific reviews, they could be an important and prominent tool in maximizing the production and productivities of the birds. In this case, there is a lack of information about the impact of various types of incubators on the hatchability of the egg. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review current information on the influences of different types of incubators on the hatchability of poultry eggs. Incubators can be powered by electricity, solar, kerosene, gas, coal, or fire. Modern electric incubators are powered by electricity and have automatic egg turning devices, so they are better than conventional ones due to their ease of control and monitoring, as well as their efficiency in saving energy. A smart incubator can face frequent power outages, which can affect its efficiency. In such conditions, the hatchability rate ranges between 27 and 33%. The low hatchability of the fertile eggs was attributed to a frequent power outage during the incubation period. On the other hand, poultry farmers in rural communities often use bush lamps and kerosene stoves to heat their hatcheries, which can lead to environmental pollution, fire outbreaks, and toxic gases that can lower the hatchability of eggs. Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative energy source. a solar-powered chicken egg incubator, which found that hatchability was 35-75%. In general, solar energy application was the most attractive option for a sustainable energy supply in poultry production.