Effects of setting eggs small end up on hatchability and posthatching performance of broilers

Area of Science:

• Poultry Science
• Animal Husbandry
• Hatchery Management

Background:

• Proper egg orientation during incubation is critical for optimal hatchability.
• Previous research has not fully quantified the impact of incorrect egg setting (small end up) on hatchability and chick quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effect of small end up (SEU) versus large end up (LEU) incubation on fertile egg hatchability and post-hatching performance.
• To assess the economic implications of incorrect egg setting in commercial hatcheries.

Main Methods:

• Fertile eggs were incubated in two treatment groups: small end up (SEU) and large end up (LEU).
• Hatchability rates and post-hatching performance metrics were recorded for each group.
• A survey was conducted in a commercial hatchery to determine the frequency of upside-down eggs and estimate economic losses.

Main Results:

• Hatchability was 16–27% lower for SEU incubated eggs compared to LEU.
• SEU incubation resulted in a higher incidence of nonviable chicks.
• No significant differences in post-hatching performance were observed between SEU and LEU groups.
• A commercial hatchery survey indicated that 0.3% to 3.4% of eggs were set upside down due to human error.
• A 0.2% decrease in Grade-A chicks was observed for every 1% of eggs set upside down.

Conclusions:

• Incubating fertile eggs small end up significantly reduces hatchability and chick quality.
• Ensuring proper large end up egg orientation is economically important for commercial hatcheries.
• Human error is the primary cause of incorrect egg setting, highlighting the need for improved hatchery protocols.