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High- and low-temperature manipulation during late incubation: effects on embryonic development, the hatching
H Willemsen1, B Kamers, F Dahlke
1Departement of Biosystems, K. U. Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, 3001 Leuven, Belgium. hilke.willemsen@biw.kuleuven.be
Poultry Science
|November 16, 2010
Summary
High incubation temperatures (3°C above standard) from embryonic day 16 to 18.5 reduced chick weight and hatchability by impairing growth and metabolism. Lower temperatures also retarded hatching but did not affect embryonic development.
Area of Science:
- Embryology
- Animal Physiology
- Incubation Science
Background:
- Incubation temperature is critical for avian embryonic development.
- Deviations from optimal temperatures can impact metabolic processes and growth outcomes.
- Understanding thermal effects during late incubation is crucial for poultry production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of supra-optimal and sub-optimal incubation temperatures on late-stage embryonic development.
- To analyze the impact of thermal stress on embryonic metabolism, growth, and hatching success.
- To compare the consequences of high and low temperatures on embryonic and post-hatch parameters.
Main Methods:
- Avian embryos were exposed to temperatures 3°C higher or lower than standard from embryonic day 16 to 18.5.
- Embryonic growth, yolk sac utilization, and metabolic markers (blood glucose, lactate, liver glycogen, plasma lipids) were assessed.
- Hatching process, hatchability, and chick weight at hatch were evaluated.
Main Results:
- High temperatures led to malnutrition, reduced embryo growth, lower yolk consumption, and significantly decreased chick weight at hatch.
- Elevated temperatures altered blood gases and retarded the hatching process, alongside reduced hatchability due to increased embryonic mortality.
- Lower incubation temperatures also retarded hatching but showed similar embryonic development and growth compared to controls.
- Metabolic analysis revealed altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the high-temperature group.
Conclusions:
- Incubation temperatures deviating by 3°C from the standard during late embryonic development significantly impact avian embryos.
- High temperatures induce malnutrition and metabolic dysfunction, severely reducing growth and hatchability.
- While lower temperatures also retard hatching, they have less detrimental effects on embryonic development and growth compared to high temperatures.
