Storage of the avian embryo

Storage Before Artificial Incubation

Dr. Inge van Roovert-Reijrink M.Sc.

In practice, longer storage periods are sometimes unavoidable. It is common known that eggs of young breeder flocks are better suitable for prolonged storage periods than eggs of older breeder flocks, because albumen quality in eggs of younger breeder flocks is higher. In nature, storage periods of more than 7 days are common as well, because a hen starts incubation when all eggs of a clutch are laid. Nevertheless the detrimental effects of prolonged storage perods in nature seem to be less than in artificial incubation. Consequently an interesting question is: what is the difference between storage in nature and storage before artificial incubation?

At both locations eggs are stored in a storage room, where the temperature and relative humidity is controlled. If the storage period is less than 7 days a storage temperature of 16 to 18°C is advised and if the storage period is longer, a temperature of 10-12°C is mostly recommended. To prevent water loss from the eggs, the relative humidity in the storage room is kept between 70 and 80%. Download the entire article via the button below.