Effect of eggshell temperature throughout incubation on broiler hatchling leg bone development

C. W. van der Pol*†, I. A. M. van Roovert-Reijrink*, C. M. Maatjens*†, I. van den Anker†, B. Kemp†, H. van den Brand†

*HatchTech B.V., P.O. Box 256, 3900 AG Veenendaal, the Netherlands; †Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands.

Leg problems in broiler chicks may partly be prevented by providing optimal circumstances for skeletal development during incubation. One of the factors demonstrated to affect bone development is eggshell temperature (EST), which provides a reliable reflection of embryo temperature. The present experiment aimed to investigate the effect of EST on development and asymmetry of the femur, tibia, and metatarsus in broiler chicken hatchlings. Download the entire article via the button below.