Impact of storage duration and short periods of incubation during egg storage on embryonic development and hatching traits of hybrid chicken strain

Abstract

The study assessed chicken egg storage duration and short periods of incubation during egg storage (SPIDES) on embryo development. Eggs samples from 310 eggs from 72-week-old hybrid layer breeder flocks were divided and stored at 16 °C and 75% RH for 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, 17, and 21 days (D). Some eggs were also divided between 14D and 21D alone and stored. One subgroup received heat application for 6 h during storage resulting in 0-h × 14D (control); 0-h × 21D (control); 6-h × 14D (SPIDES) and 6-h × 21D (SPIDES). Storage durations between 1D and 21D did not influence most egg quality parameters. The interaction of storage duration and SPIDES affected initial, final egg weights and egg weight loss. SPIDES eggs recorded heavier wet embryos than non-SPIDES eggs at embryonic days (ED) 4, ED7, ED11, and dry embryo weight at ED11. SPIDES resulted in longer embryos at ED4 and ED11. In 21D stored eggs hatchability was higher in SPIDES compared to non-SPIDES treatments (66.7 vs. 48.3%). The reverse effect of SPIDES occurred in 14D stored eggs. In conclusion, the study shows positive effect of SPIDES in longer stored eggs and could be due to a positive impact on embryo.