Effect of Moisture Loss on the Hatchability of Chicken, Duck and Quail Eggs

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of moisture loss on the Hatchability of chicken, Duck and Quail eggs. A total of 480 eggs; 120 from Rhode Island Red (RIR) chicken, 60 from Zending duck and 300 from Japanese quail were collected and set in the same incubator with 3 replications to compare hatchability results among the species. Moisture loss percentage was highest (P<0.01) in quail eggs (16.19%), intermediate in chicken eggs (7.76%) and lowest in duck eggs (7.24%). Among 3 genotypes, at all (0, 7 and 14 days) ages, eggs weight was highest (p<0.01) in Zending duck (60.50g), intermediate in RIR chicken (59.188) and lowest in quail (9.55g). Egg weight loss at 7 and 14 days of incubation were highest in quail, intermediate in chicken and lowest in duck. There was no appreciable differences of hatchability on set eggs and fertile eggs among species (p>0.05). Apparently, the hatchability on fertile eggs was similar and higher in chicken (58.3%) and quail (58.9%) and slightly lower in duck (53.7%). However, hatchability on set eggs was highest in quail (58.3%) intermediate in chicken (43.3%) and lowest in duck (40.7%). Chick weight at hatchings was highest (p<0.01) in duck (37.55g), intermediate in chicken (34.56g) and lowest in quail (5.61 g). Chick weight as per cent of egg weight was found highest (p<0.01) in duck (62.07%), intermediate in chicken (58.40%) and lowest in quail (54.24%). There were some relations among the different hatchability results depending on species. There were marked variations in moisture effect among the species. It was clear that hatchability not only affected by species but moisture loss also played an important role on hatchability. It was concluded that under similar environment, hatchability on fertile eggs were similar and higher in quail and chicken and lower in duck. But hatchability on set eggs was highest in quail, intermediate in chicken and lowest in duck. It imply that some losses of moisture with various level may be necessary to enhance egg hatchability is required to support hatching results in different species of poultry.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 9(2): 105-108 2016