Factors affecting ostrich egg hatchability

Area of Science:

• Avian biology
• Reproductive physiology
• Ostrich farming

Background:

• Ostrich egg hatchability is often suboptimal.
• Egg weight loss during incubation (EWL) is a critical factor.
• Factors like egg size, shell properties, and storage duration influence hatchability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of eggshell porosity (LP), thickness (THICK), and egg size on ostrich egg weight loss during incubation (EWL) and hatchability (HATCH).
• To determine the effect of preincubation egg storage duration on EWL and HATCH.
• To correlate these factors with chick weight (CWT).

Main Methods:

• Ostrich eggs were categorized by eggshell porosity (low, intermediate, high LP) and thickness (low, intermediate, high THICK).
• EWL and HATCH rates were assessed for each category.
• The influence of egg size (small, medium, large) on LP, THICK, EWL, HATCH, and CWT was evaluated.
• Storage duration effects were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Higher LP was positively correlated with increased EWL and HATCH.
• Thinner eggshells (low THICK) were associated with higher EWL and HATCH.
• Medium-sized eggs exhibited higher LP, EWL, and HATCH compared to small or large eggs.
• Large eggs produced heavier chicks (CWT).
• Preincubation storage up to 10 days did not negatively affect HATCH or EWL.

Conclusions:

• Ostrich eggs with low porosity and increased thickness hatch poorly.
• Intermediate-sized eggs demonstrate the highest hatchability.
• Egg size is a significant determinant of chick weight.
• Standard poultry industry storage conditions for up to 10 days are suitable for ostrich eggs without compromising hatchability.