Abstract
HATCHABILITY problems in heavy breeds of domestic turkeys have been recognized by numerous investigators. Artificial selection has been the conventional tool for seeking genetic-based improvement in this trait, while the potential value of natural selection has been little explored.The research reported here was designed to test the hypothesis that genetic change can be achieved directly through natural selection—accelerated by temperature-stress incubation. Natural selection, implemented through stress-incubation conditions, was evaluated in this study on the basis of its promoting survival of the more vigorous individuals at the embryonic level.The optimum incubational temperature for turkeys has been reported by Taylor (1949) as 99 to 100 degrees F., depending on the type of incubator used. Pringle (1937) investigated critical periods of embryo mortality in chickens using incubational temperatures of 99 and 102 degrees F. He found that the first critical period was on the third day for both temperatures, and…
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