The effect of storage periods and SPIDES on embryonic mortality, hatching characteristics, and quality of newly hatched chicks in broiler eggs

Abstract

Egg storage duration can affect embryo mortality, hatching characteristics, hatching time, and post-hatch chick quality. In order to assess these effects, the impact of storage duration (5 days, 10 days, 15 days) and short incubation period during egg storage (SPIDES) investigated further 18, 900 eggs of broiler breeder (ROSS 308) in 3 × 2 factorial arrangement design. In the SPIDES treatment, the egg shell temperature was raised from its storage temperature (18 °C) and held at 100 °F for 3.5 h. Storage periods could significantly (P < 0.05) influence on embryo mortality (total, early, middle, and late), hatchability of both the total eggs and fertile eggs. The SPIDES treatment had a significant (P < 0.05) impact on a lower embryonic death rate and improved egg hatchability. Eggs stored for 5 days and eggs treated with SPIDES significantly (P < 0.001) shorten hatching time, batch’s 90% hatching time (T 90% H), mean hatching time (MHT), maximal hatching period (MHP), and hatching window (HW). Chick quality was also determined, whereas storing eggs for 5 days and using the SPIDES treatment resulted in enhanced (P < 0.001) chick weight relative to egg weight (CW/EW), activity (AC), and chick quality score (CQS). The residual yolk sac weight (RYSW), unhealed navel (UHN %), and dirty feather (DF%) recorded the lowest (P < 0.001) values compared to long storage periods and control group. Finally, stored for 5 days treated by SPIDES positively affected the hatchability characteristics, the shortening hatching time, and the quality of chicks. Regarding the results, it was confirmed that using the SPIDES treatment to prevent the harmful effects of broiler eggs being stored for an extended period of time is a viable option.