Three-Phase Incubation
A biology-driven approach to cleaner, more efficient incubation
For more than 30 years, HatchTech has focused on understanding embryo development and creating incubation solutions that support the biological needs of the developing chick.
Three Phase Incubation builds on that foundation. Made possible through highly accurate early candling on day 9, the concept divides the incubation process into three distinct phases, creating cleaner incubation conditions, improving the use of incubation capacity and opening new opportunities for performance optimisation
Phase 1 (Day 0–9)
The first days of incubation are among the most critical stages of embryo development. During this phase, eggs remain in the setter, where incubation conditions support early embryo development.
Day 9 | Early Candling with SetGate
Using SetGate on day 9, infertile eggs and non viable embryos are identified and removed with close to 100% accuracy.
These eggs are often associated with bacterial development and can potentially develop into “bangers”. Removing them early helps reduce bacterial pressure within the incubator throughout the remainder of the process, creating a cleaner environment for viable embryos.
Phase 2
Development under cleaner
conditions (Day 9–18)
Following early candling, only viable embryos remain in the setters.
Because infertile eggs and non viable embryos have already been removed, incubation continues under cleaner conditions with reduced bacterial pressure. The high accuracy of SetGate eliminates the need for additional candling on day 18 while enabling more efficient use of incubation capacity through the Review-Reject-Refill concept.
Key benefits
- Reduced bacterial pressure
- Optimised use of incubation capacity by 10-15%
- More control over hatch predictions
Optimisation with SetCare
SetCare enhances both setter phases of the Three-Phase Incubation concept.
Research shows that embryo development already starts at approximately 85°F. By starting incubation at 85°F and extending the total incubation process to 24 days, SetCare creates optimal conditions during the early stage of embryo development. Combined with precise environmental control throughout the entire setter phase, this approach reduces early embryo mortality and has been shown to result in 3.3% more firstgrade chicks.
Key benefits of SetCare
- +2,7 cents extra revenue per chick
- +3.3% more first grade chicks
- Up to 1.8-point FCR improvement
Phase 3
Egg transfer directly into the
hatchers (day 18+)
Following transfer, embryos enter the final stage of incubation and are moved directly into the hatchers without additional candling.
This phase focuses on creating optimal hatching conditions for viable embryos while preparing newly hatched chicks for the next stage of life. Stable incubation conditions remain essential to support a uniform hatch and consistent superior chick quality.
Optimisation with HatchCare
HatchCare extends the biological thinking behind Three-Phase Incubation beyond hatch through early feeding.
As the first hatcher to provide immediate access to feed, fresh water and light after hatch, HatchCare supports chicks during a critical stage of development. Combined with precise climate control and uniform hatching conditions, HatchCare supports the continued development and maturation of vital organs, helping chicks achieve their genetic potential.
Key benefits of HatchCare
- +6,5 cents extra revenue per chick
- +15,03% D.O.C. weight at pull time
- Up to 4.8-point FCR improvement
- Improved chick quality, welfare and lifetime performance
More Than Early Candling
While SetGate makes Three Phase Incubation possible, the concept reaches its full potential when optimisation opportunities across the entire incubation process are considered.
SetCare enhances the biological start of embryo development. SetGate creates cleaner conditions throughout incubation. HatchCare supports chicks during the critical period immediately after hatch.
Together, they create an incubation approach that stays closer to biology while helping hatcheries improve chick quality, hatchery performance and overall efficiency.
World Poultry Article
In a World Poultry interview, our CEO Tjitze Meter and Senior Scientist Dr Jan Wijnen share insights into the development of Three-Phase incubation and its impact on the industry.
How could Three-Phase Incubation fit
your hatchery?
Our specialists can help you explore the practical and economic opportunities of implementing Three Phase Incubation in your operation
SetCare
A 24-day approach to 3,3% more 1st grade chicks
SetCare redefines the start of incubation with a unique 24 day incubation process. Through extremely gradual warming and precise temperature control at trolley level, SetCare reduces early embryo mortality and increases the hatch of first grade chicks.
HatchCare
The Hatcher with feed, fresh water and light
HatchCare unique approach supports early organ development, reduces stress and dehydration, and produces stronger, healthier chicks with improved field performance. Discover how HatchCare combines superior chick welfare with measurable value for both hatcheries and poultry producers.
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