Incubation: From Egg to Day-old chick
Incubation is a process where fertilized bird eggs are placed under specific conditions of temperature, humidity, and turning, allowing the embryo inside the egg to develop and eventually hatch. This process can occur naturally under a broody hen or artificially in an incubator. In the poultry industry, incubators are used for the mass production of broiler, layer, and ornamental chicks. Broiler chicks are raised for meat, while layer chicks are raised for egg production.
In broiler farms, the process typically begins with day-old chicks. Once these chicks reach a marketable weight, they are sent to the slaughterhouse. But where do these day-old chicks come from?
It’s important to note that broiler hatching eggs are different from table eggs. The parent stock of broiler chickens is raised and fed differently. These hens begin laying eggs around 26 weeks of age and continue for approximately 35-40 weeks. In these farms, eggs are automatically collected in nest boxes and transported on a conveyor belt to a collection station. The eggs are then sent to specialized hatcheries. Hatching eggs are collected several times a day and placed in incubators to maintain a suitable temperature. Hatcheries provide the ideal conditions for chicks to hatch.
How does an incubator work?
In the traditional method, a broody hen, while sitting on fertilized eggs, strives to provide optimal conditions of temperature, humidity, and oxygen supply. She also turns the eggs with her beak from time to time. An incubator replicates these conditions in a more controlled manner. It provides heating, cooling, ventilation to maintain humidity and carbon dioxide levels. The right air temperature, air speed, and humidity contribute to better egg quality and fewer breakages.
Stages of Chicken Incubation
As previously mentioned, incubation is the process of transforming a fertilized egg into a chick. This process requires precise and controlled conditions, including temperature, humidity, ventilation, and egg turning.
The following steps outline the general incubation process:
- Preparation of Fertilized Eggs:
- Eggs should be obtained from healthy hens fed a balanced diet.
- Eggs should be clean, crack-free, and of a normal shape.
- Fumigation of Eggs:
- Before placing eggs in the incubator, they are fumigated with formalin and potassium permanganate in a chamber.
- Placing Eggs in the Setter:
- Eggs should be placed horizontally and at a suitable distance in the trays of the incubator.
- The orientation of the eggs in the machine should be correct, with the larger, rounded end facing upwards.
- Adjusting Environmental Conditions:
- Temperature: The temperature of the machine should be constant and within a specific range (usually 37.5 to 38 degrees Celsius).
- Humidity: The relative humidity inside the machine should also be maintained within a specific range (usually 55 to 65 percent).
- Ventilation: The machine should be continuously ventilated to remove carbon dioxide produced by the embryo and introduce fresh oxygen.
- Egg Turning: Eggs should be turned regularly to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell. Incubators usually turn the trays 45 degrees to the right and left at regular intervals.
- Candling: Candling is done to remove damaged eggs from the setter.
- Hatching Stage:
- Eggs are transferred from the setter to the hatcher. In the final days of incubation, the humidity in the machine is increased to help the chicks break out of the shell.
- Hatching: After hatching, the chicks should be removed from the machine and placed in a warm, dry environment to allow their navels to dry and close.
Setter and Hatcher: Two Primary Stages in Incubation
Setters and hatchers are two distinct types of incubation equipment where eggs are placed during different stages of development. Both are incubators that complete the entire incubation process:
- Setter Stage: The first stage, from the time a fertilized egg is placed until the end of day 18, is called the setter stage. During this period, temperature, humidity, and egg turning are precisely controlled to provide optimal conditions for embryonic growth.
- Hatcher Stage: The final three days, until the end of day 21, are referred to as the hatcher stage. Hatching is the actual act of the chick emerging from the egg, and a hatcher is the equipment or environment that provides the suitable conditions for hatching. The hatcher regulates the temperature, humidity, and other factors necessary for embryonic development and the chick’s emergence from the egg. During this stage, the chicks are ready to hatch and begin to pip the shell.
So, where do broiler farms get their day-old chicks? As mentioned, hatcheries collect hatching eggs from layer farms one to two times a week. After the chicks hatch, broiler farms purchase their chicks from these hatcheries.
Candling in Incubation
A candler is a device used to examine eggs to determine if they are fertile during the incubation process. The primary goal of candling is to remove infertile eggs or those with undeveloped embryos. Doing this at the beginning of the hatcher stage frees up space in the incubator for fertile eggs and increases the chances of successful hatching. During candling, a light is shone through the egg to examine its interior. This allows one to determine the presence or absence of a developing embryo and assess its health.
Candling is typically performed during the setter stage because the embryo is actively developing and blood vessels are clearly visible at this stage. This makes it easier to accurately determine the presence and health of the embryo. A common question is when during the setter stage should candling be performed?
The short answer is on days 7, 14, and 19. However, this timeline may vary slightly depending on the bird species and the type of incubator. These specific days are chosen because the embryo’s development is at a stage where blood vessels and other structures can be clearly seen.
In industrial settings, candling is often performed when transferring eggs from the setter to the hatcher. This is due to the large number of eggs, making individual candling impractical. Additionally, it’s preferred to minimize opening the incubator to maintain stable temperature, humidity, and a sterile environment.
The Disadvantages of Traditional Hatchery Practices
In traditional hatcheries, chicks can remain without food or water for up to 48 hours before being transferred to the broiler house. During this time, even the strongest chicks can become weakened. Chicks are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively during their first four days of life.
It might be noted that chicks hatch with a yolk sac, which provides them with essential nutrients. The yolk is rich in fats and proteins but contains very little carbohydrates.
It might be noted that chicks hatch with a yolk sac, which provides them with essential nutrients. The yolk is rich in fats and proteins but contains very little carbohydrates. Prolonged fasting can lead to a metabolic disease called ketosis due to the lack of carbohydrates or gluconeogenic precursors.
Weight loss due to delayed placement or malnutrition can also adversely affect early muscle growth. Additionally, it can lead to yolk sac infections. These negative effects can persist until market age, impacting meat yield. Consequently, in this production system, chicks are immediately provided with feed, water, electrolytes, and vitamins upon arrival at the broiler farm.
On-Farm Hatching for Broiler Chickens
To prevent damage to day-old chicks, a novel approach has been developed that allows chicks to hatch directly in the broiler house. In this system, chicks hatch in the same environment where they will be raised. As a result, feed and water are readily available, eliminating the need for transportation. The concept of on-farm hatching in broiler production was introduced by poultry farmers who were experiencing numerous quality issues with hatchery chicks.
This system originated in Northwestern Europe, particularly in countries like the Netherlands and Belgium, and is now expanding to other continents.
On-Farm Incubation: The X-Treck System
The X-Treck system is a revolutionary approach to on-farm incubation developed by Vencomatic. This multi-tiered system offers a meticulously controlled environment, ensuring optimal conditions for chick development throughout their entire lifecycle.
Specifically designed for broiler chicken production, X-Treck provides a superior start, leading to healthier and more robust chicks and ultimately, greater profitability.
In this system, incubated eggs (eggs that have undergone 18 days of incubation) are placed on suspended rail systems within the setter trays. The system is designed to maintain precise temperature and humidity levels around the eggs.
In the X-Treck system, newly hatched chicks have immediate access to food and water. As a result, chicks are calmer, less noisy, and exhibit reduced movement. Observations show that chicks hatched in this system are more relaxed and have stronger bodies, making management easier.
These significant results lead to better feed conversion rates in chicks. Additionally, since chicks are not transported and thus not subjected to stress or contamination, their overall health is improved.
To complement the X-Treck system, you can utilize the following:
- Automated transport system: This system automatically moves trays in and out of the poultry house.
- Electric winch: This replaces manual winches, reducing manual labor.
- In-Cradle system: This optimizes hatching conditions for newborn chicks. With this system, chicks land on this level immediately after hatching, before reaching the underlying bedding. The In-Cradle system is placed beneath the X-Treck system, measuring the ambient temperature and providing a warm surface suitable for newly hatched chicks.
Benefits of On-Farm Hatching for Broiler Chickens
On-farm hatching provides immediate access to food and water for newly hatched chicks. This early access significantly contributes to faster growth, organ development, and gut health within the first two days of life. The sooner the gut is exposed to feed, the better. This early start also strengthens the chick’s immune system, reducing the likelihood of disease and the need for antibiotics. Prolonged fasting in newly hatched chicks can lead to the breakdown of intestinal villi, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause infections. A weakened immune system can also negatively impact the hormonal system.
Poultry World has reported positive feedback from poultry farmers using the X-Treck system. These farmers have experienced a 50 to 100-gram increase in final body weight, a 0.5% reduction in mortality rate, and a 0.4-0.5 improvement in feed conversion ratio. Additionally, there have been fewer issues with enterococci and coccidiosis.
So, why has on-farm hatching become so popular?
- Improved chick welfare: Chicks are not transported and are immediately placed in a suitable environment, reducing stress caused by handling and temperature fluctuations.
- Improved chick health: Chicks are less exposed to pathogens due to the clean and controlled environment. This results in lower mortality rates and a stronger immune system.
- Optimal hatching: Chicks hatch at the optimal time, preventing premature hatching due to excessive heat.
- Enhanced growth and feed efficiency: Chicks raised using on-farm hatching systems typically have higher body weights and better feed conversion rates.
FAQs: Everything You Want to Know About Hatching
Below, we’ll answer the questions you’re most likely to ask about this.
For which poultry farms is the X-Treck system suitable?
This system requires optimal conditions to be met. If implemented correctly, the costs of setting up this system can be recouped within three to four years. One of the most crucial factors in this method is maintaining the correct egg temperature. If the egg temperature is suitable, everything else will fall into place. In this system, the egg temperature is 2 degrees Celsius lower.
You can also watch a video of this method here.
What factors are important in chick hatching on a farm?
The primary factor is controlling the air and humidity. These conditions must be suitable for both the eggs and the day-old chicks. Once the chicks hatch, the environment should continue to be appropriate. A consistent temperature throughout the entire room, along with a concrete floor that is sufficiently heated to prevent excessive cold from harming the chicks, is essential. The best method is a combination of the two X-Treck systems.
How long does it take for a chicken egg to hatch?
21 days. After developing inside the egg, a chick hatches after 21 days. This time varies for other birds. In industrial methods, if a chick does not hatch within this period, the egg is discarded with other waste and incinerated.
What is the traditional method of chicken incubation?
Domestic chicken incubation does not differ significantly from industrial methods. The primary distinctions lie in the smaller batch size and the scale of the equipment. Furthermore, household incubators typically serve as both setters and hatchers.
Should hatching eggs be washed?
Logically, this isn’t a good practice. When a hen lays an egg, its temperature is the same as the hen’s body temperature. Within 5 minutes, the egg cools down to room temperature.
Due to this temperature difference, negative pressure is created inside the egg, which attracts bacteria from outside the shell. During the incubation process, these bacteria multiply and contaminate the embryo. This not only reduces the hatching rate by up to 20% but also decreases the quality of the day-old chick. However, in hatchers, formaldehyde vapor is also used to disinfect the space. Formaldehyde vapor not only disinfects the space and eggs but also causes the chick to struggle more to hatch. It’s important to note that excessive use of formaldehyde is harmful to the chick.
What are Common Problems in Egg Incubation?
Incubation issues can stem from various factors and significantly impact the success rate of hatching. Below are some common problems and potential solutions:
- Temperature-related problems:
- Excessive heat: Can lead to embryo death due to overheating.
- Insufficient heat: Slows down embryonic growth and may result in incomplete chick development.
- Temperature fluctuations: Sudden temperature changes can shock the embryos and cause mortality.
- Humidity-related problems:
- Low humidity: Causes the eggshell to dry out and the embryo to adhere to it.
- High humidity: Can promote bacterial and fungal growth, resulting in embryo death.
- Ventilation-related problems:
- Insufficient ventilation: Leads to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and a decrease in oxygen, causing embryo suffocation.
- Excessive ventilation: Can cause eggs to dry out excessively.
- Egg-related problems:
- Old or poor-quality eggs: Eggs that are too old or have cracks are less likely to hatch.
- Contaminated eggs: Bacterial or fungal contamination can lead to embryo death.
- Inadequate or excessive egg turning: Turning eggs aids in oxygen supply to the embryo. Insufficient turning can cause the embryo to stick to the shell.
What are the key factors for successful incubation?
Using high-quality, standardized incubators is a crucial factor in successful incubation. Purchasing eggs from reputable sources and adhering to strict hygiene practices throughout the incubation process are also essential. In general, the following factors contribute to successful incubation:
- Check the incubator temperature: Use an incubator with a precise thermostat to maintain a constant temperature. Place the incubator in a stable temperature environment, away from heat and cold sources.
- Monitor incubator humidity: Ensure the water reservoir is filled to the appropriate level. Using an incubator with a precise hygrometer to control humidity is highly beneficial.
- Check incubator ventilation: Ensure that the incubator’s ventilation system is working correctly. Keep the air filters clean. Proper ventilation prevents excessive moisture buildup.
- Use healthy eggs: Only use clean, healthy eggs. Before placing the eggs in the incubator, fumigate them.
- Sanitize equipment before starting: Thoroughly sanitize the setter and hatcher before starting the incubation process.
- Ensure regular egg turning: Regular turning of the eggs is essential for proper embryonic development.
- Check for equipment malfunctions: Periodically inspect the incubator for any technical issues. Problems with the thermostat, hygrometer, or egg-turning motor can negatively impact incubation success. If any issues arise, make the necessary repairs.
What should be done if eggs crack during the hatching process?
Historically, in small-scale, home-based poultry farming, small cracks in eggs were often covered with hot wax. For more information, you can refer to the website littlefarmonthecorner. However, this practice is not common today, especially in industrial poultry farming.
The reason is that even the smallest crack allows bacteria to enter the egg. While the wax coating prevents further contamination, it’s often the case that either the chick dies or, if it hatches, it is very weak and underdeveloped. This is why, in industrial broiler chicken production, these eggs are typically removed from the hatching process.
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How can we assist in hatching and breaking the egg?
Generally, by increasing the temperature and humidity, eggs can hatch sooner. However, this is not highly recommended. This is because premature hatching can result in incomplete development of the chick’s body systems, leading to a weaker chick.
As discussed previously, the use of formaldehyde in the hatcher not only disinfects the area but also assists in the simultaneous hatching of chicks. This is because the smell of formaldehyde is unpleasant to chicks, causing them to strive to exit the egg. However, formaldehyde must be used according to guidelines and in the correct amount. Excessive use of formaldehyde can cause respiratory problems in chicks.
What does hatching (chicken) eggs mean?
Hatching refers to the final 3 days of the incubation period. In general, chicks hatch after 21 days. However, depending on the breed, the age of the hen, and the conditions prior to incubation, chicks may hatch anywhere from 36 to 48 hours earlier.
When is the right time to transfer eggs to the hatcher?
Many people, based on experience, believe the optimal time to transfer eggs to the hatcher is when 1-2% of the eggs in the incubator begin to crack. For chickens, this typically occurs on day 19. The transfer may happen a few hours earlier or later.
What is the difference between hatching and brooding?
Hatching is the final three days of incubation, while brooding (or rearing chicks) begins at birth and continues for 7-10 days. It’s a critical period for chicks as they undergo rapid growth and development.
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