Hatchability of Chicken Embryos under Simulated High Altitude Conditions

Abstract

High altitude decreases the hatchability of chicken eggs and has some cellular and physiologic effects on young and adult chickens.Francis et al. (1967) observed that the hatchability of eggs from the same strain decreased 10 percent at a 305 m. increase in altitude, 20 percent at a 610 m. increase. These authors also reviewed the earlier literature of altitude effects on hatchability. A significant reduction in hatchability was also reported by Stephens and Ploog (1967), working at a natural altitude of 3,200 m. in Peru. However, Fraps (1945) did not record any significant reduction in the ability of the embryo to hatch until the pressure was reduced to 12.5 mm. of Hg (27,000 m.) for a period of 12 hours per day. Evidently, short term exposure to high altitude is tolerated well. Some physiologic changes in the bloodstream of chick embryos incubated at a 5,490 m. simulated altitude was…