Seasonal Variation in the Fertility, Mortality and Hatchability of Fayomi Eggs in the Subtropics

Abstract

DURING the course of domestication, there has been a tremendous redistribution in the improved breeds of hens throughout the two hemispheres. The tropical and subtropical zones are characterized by certain seasonal climatological changes, namely the big fluctuation in atmospheric temperature and small variation in day length when compared with the temperate zone. The incubation of eggs is the vital link in the reproductive cycle of the fowl. The study of fertility, embryonic mortality and hatchability of eggs are of great academic and economic importance for modern poultry industries. The reproductive potentialities of the eggs are influenced by environmental, genetical, physiological factors of the hen as well as constitutional, physical and chemical factors of the eggs. The Fayomi breed is a dual-purpose breed, originated in the Fayoom Province, Upper Egypt and is well adapted to the subtropical regions.REVIEW OF LITERATUREThe major environmental factors which affect the reproductivity of the …