Perinatal development and nutrient utilization in chickens

Effects of Incubation Conditions

Dr. Roos Molenaar M.Sc.

Suboptimal incubation conditions, such as a high eggshell temperature (EST) or low O2 availability, can negatively affect the survival and development of chicken embryos. However, the
physiological mechanisms that may explain these negative effects are largely unknown.

Furthermore, negative effects of suboptimal incubation conditions may have long-lasting effects on survival and performance of chickens throughout their production cycle, which has not been intensively investigated. Therefore, the first aim of the PhD thesis of Roos Molenaar was to investigate effects of EST and O2 availability during incubation on the survival, development, physiology, and nutrient utilization of chicken embryos.

The second aim was to investigate the longlasting effects of suboptimal EST on the survival and performance of broiler chickens. In the first study, effects on chick quality, organ development, and nutrient use were investigated in broiler embryos incubated at a high (38.9°C) or normal (37.8°C) EST combined with a low (17%), normal (21%), or high (25%) O2 concentration from day 7 until 19 of incubation. After day 19 of incubation, the EST difference was maintained, but the O2 concentration was 21% for all treatments. Download the entire article via the button below.