Evaluating the Use of Ultraviolet Light as a Method for Improving Hatching Egg Selection

Abstract

Broiler breeder hatching eggs from a commercial operation were categorized using a portable ultraviolet (UV) light (365 nm long wave). Three separate trials were performed using the same selection techniques in each trial. Eggs within each trial were initially separated into two groups: those with visibly adulterating materials and those without. Eggs without visible adulteration were further classified based upon the presence or absence of adulterating materials when viewed under UV light. Criteria for UV light adulteration included urates, blood, fecal material, and cracks. The three groupings of selected eggs and nonselected controls were set in incubators to determine differences in hatchability. Hatchability in trial 1 was improved with UV clean and UV stained eggs compared to farm dirty and control eggs. Trials 2 and 3 demonstrated an improvement in hatchability with UV clean eggs over all other groups. (Hatchability data were not analyzed statistically.) Total aerobic bacterial counts on the eggshells were determined with egg rinses. In trial 1, the farm dirty eggs had significantly higher bacterial counts than eggs in all other groups; however, no significant differences in aerobic bacterial counts were noted between any of the groups in trials 2 and 3. No differences were observed with regard to moisture loss during incubation among groups. Fourteen-day chick mortality was within normal limits, and no significant differences were noted among groups. Results of these trials suggest that UV light may be beneficial when selecting eggs that have a likelihood of poorer hatchability.