INFLUENCE OF STORAGE DURATION AND TEMPERATURE ON FERTILITY AND HATCHABILITY OF FERTILE EGGS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of storage period on the weight loss and hatchability of fertile eggs of exotic laying hens in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria. The experiment was conducted by storing 180 eggs at a temperature of 15°C for six different days (0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 days) to assess weight loss and hatchability. Results showed that prolonged storage period beyond seven days significantly affected the percentage weight loss and hatchability of fertile eggs of layer birds. The percentage weight loss before setting and during incubation increased significantly with increasing storage time, as did the percentage total weight loss. Furthermore, the percentage fertility, percentage died back, and hatchability exhibited significant differences. It was concluded that longer periods of storage increase the spread of time over which hatching takes place, consequently influencing the total hatchability and overall quality of chicks. Thus, this research study will provide a valuable contribution to the poultry industry in determining the appropriate duration for the storage of fertile eggs to ensure hatchability and chick quality