What conditions must be met by the Setter and Hatcher, respectively, for the incubation and hatching of chicken eggs? Talk about the justifications for each need as well.
What are the requirements in Setter and Hatcher for incubation and hatching of chicken egg, respectively? Also discuss about the reasons for each of the requirements.
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In both the setter and hatcher stages of incubating chicken eggs, several requirements must be met to ensure optimal conditions for embryo development and successful hatching:
Temperature: Maintaining consistent temperature is crucial throughout both the setter and hatcher stages. The setter requires a temperature of around 99.5°F (37.5°C), while the hatcher typically requires slightly lower temperatures, around 98.5°F (37°C). Consistent temperature ensures proper embryo development and metabolic activity, as fluctuations can lead to developmental abnormalities or delayed hatching.
Humidity: Humidity levels must be carefully regulated to prevent excessive moisture loss or condensation on the eggshell, which can impair embryo development and hatching. In the setter, humidity levels are typically maintained between 50-60%, while in the hatcher, humidity may be increased to around 65-70% to facilitate easier hatching by softening the eggshell and reducing the risk of chicks becoming stuck in the shell.
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is essential to ensure proper gas exchange and oxygen supply to the developing embryos while removing excess carbon dioxide and metabolic waste products. Proper ventilation helps maintain optimal air quality and prevents the buildup of harmful gases, which can inhibit embryo development or cause respiratory distress in hatching chicks.
Turning: Eggs must be regularly turned during the setter stage to prevent the embryo from sticking to the eggshell membrane and ensure even distribution of nutrients and gases within the egg. Turning helps prevent deformities and promotes proper development of the embryo's musculoskeletal system. In the hatcher, turning is typically stopped to allow the embryos to position themselves for hatching.
Candling: Candling involves shining a light through the eggshell to assess embryo development, fertility, and egg quality. Candling is performed periodically throughout both the setter and hatcher stages to monitor embryo viability and detect any abnormalities or development issues that may require intervention.
Sanitation: Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in both the setter and hatcher is essential to prevent the spread of pathogens and minimize the risk of contamination, which can lead to poor hatchability and disease transmission. Regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment, trays, and surfaces help create a hygienic environment conducive to successful incubation and hatching.
By ensuring these requirements are met in both the setter and hatcher stages, poultry producers can optimize conditions for embryo development, maximize hatchability rates, and produce healthy, robust chicks for poultry production.