Effect of incubational thermal exposures on the hatchability and early post-hatch growth performance of broiler chickens

Abstract

In the present study, effect of high (39°C) or low (36°C) temperatures during 4th–7th, 11th–14th and 18th–21st d of broiler embryo development was studied. Incubation temperature did not affect embryo growth, but early exposure had higher embryonic mortality. High temperature causes early piping, but increased piping time by 4 h. Mid-period exposure recorded higher hatchability. Late-low temperature exposure had higher chick to egg weight ratio, apparently improved FCR and higher body temperature, while early-high temperature exposure had lower body weight. In conclusion, mid and late period exposure to high or low temperature for 6 h could improve hatchability without affecting post-hatch performances in broilers.