Alternative egg storage methods: small end up or turning

Dr. Inge van Roovert-Reijrink M.Sc.

After oviposition, hatching eggs are first stored at the breeder farm and then transported to the hatchery and stored again before they are finally placed in an incubator. The storage duration depends on the supply of hatching eggs, the hatchery capacity, and the market demand for dayold chicks. Normally, commercial hatcheries try to set their eggs after 3 to 5 days of storage to minimize the negative effects of egg storage on hatchability and chick quality.

However, in some situations a hatchery manager has to deal with storage durations beyond 7 days. It is well known that a storage duration beyond 7 days increases incubation duration, decreases hatchability, decreases chick quality, decreases subsequent growth performance, and increases post-hatch mortality.

Changes in the storage temperature, relative humidity, and gaseous environment can decrease the negative effects on hatchability and chick quality caused by prolonged egg storage. However, there are also some additional methods to minimize the decline in hatchability: storage in the small end up position and turning during storage. Download the entire article via the button below.