Chick Quality Research Articles

Assessment of barriers towards a sustainable and resilient poultry industry supply chain: A developing country viewpoint after COVID-19

The devastating COVID-19 epidemic has highlighted the weaknesses in supply chains (SCs) globally. To ensure smooth production in the current and post-COVID-19 era, the policymakers should focus on establishing a sustainable and resilient supply chain (SC) by reconfiguring their existing SC strategies. This study aims to investigate the difficulties poultry industry (PI) faces in coping with the effects of SC disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic from a developing country viewpoint: Bangladesh. Through literature review and expert opinion, 20 barriers were identified and categorized into five dimensions (i.e., social, environmental, economic, technical, and institutional) related to sustainability and resilience. Pareto analysis was conducted to screen out ‘Vital few’ barriers and later prominence vectors and cause-effect relationships of these barriers was examined through decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach. Results indicate that natural and man- made disasters, quality of chicks, feed and vaccine, inaccurate forecasting, lack of access to technology, and environmental issues are the most significant barriers to achieve sustainability and resiliency. Also, the mitigation strategies to achieve simultaneous sustainability and resiliency in this sector are outlined for managers and practitioners.

Impact of storage period on hatching egg quality, extra-embryonic structures, embryo morphometry, hatchability, and Rosa 1 chick quality

Storage duration affects the biological value of hatching eggs. The study evaluated the composition and characteristics of hatching eggs from Rosa 1 hens, the morphometric traits of embryos and chicks, and hatching results based on storage time. A total of 1200 hatching eggs were divided into three groups: NS (control, non-stored), S4 (stored up to day 4), and S7 (stored up to day 7). Storage conditions were 17°C and approx. 60% relative humidity. Each group’s egg quality was measured for 30 eggs. Weight loss during storage was monitored. Lysozyme activity and viscosity were analyzed from fresh eggs and incubated eggs on days 7 and 14, using thin and thick albumen or amniotic fluid. Embryo morphometry was measured on days 7, 10, 14, and 18, and post-hatching results and the quality of one-day-old chicks were assessed. Eggs stored for 7 days (S7) had higher (P<0.05) weight loss compared to the NS group. The proportions of eggshell and yolk increased (P<0.05) after storage, and the yolk index decreased. Vitelline membrane strength was lower (P<0.001) in the S4 and S7 groups than in the NS group. The lowest (P<0.05) pH levels of thin, thick albumen and yolk were observed in the NS group. Lysozyme activity increased (P<0.001) in the thin albumen of eggs in the NS and S4 groups and the thick albumen from the NS group than in others. On day 7 of incubation, group S7 showed higher (P<0.05) lysozyme activity in thick albumen, with no activity in amniotic fluid. By day 14, lysozyme activity increased (P<0.001) in group S7’s thick albumen and S4 and S7 groups’ amniotic fluid. Viscosity was highest (P<0.05) in fresh eggs’ thin and thick albumen from group S7, but on day 7, thick albumen viscosity was lowest. On day 14, amniotic fluid viscosity was higher (P=0.009) in group S4 than in NS. Seven-day-old embryos in group S7 had lower (P=0.004) weight than others. Eye diameter in S7 embryos was also smaller on days 7 and 18. On day 10, NS group embryos had shorter body diagonal lengths. Storage up to 7 days adversely affected hatching efficiency. Storage affected the navel area of one-day-old chicks, with the highest neck length in male chicks from group S4 and the lowest in females from group S4. It is concluded that egg storage at 17°C and 60% relative humidity could be limited to 4 days to maintain hatchability and qualitative features.

Effects of adding mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) as a replacement for fish meal to broiler chicken diet on performance, carcass parameters, meat quality and nutrient digestibility.

The objective of the study was to investigate how substituting fish meal (FM) with mealworm larval (Tenebrio molitor L.) meal (TM) in the diet affects the growth performance, meat quality, nutrient digestibility, and carcass of broiler chicks. A total of one hundred chicks were divided into five groups, each containing twenty birds. The fish meal was replaced with mealworm meal at different levels of 25% (TM25), 50% (TM50), 75% (TM75), and 100% (TM100) in the diets. At the end of the study, replacing different levels the fish meal with mealworms linearly suppressed nutrient digestion, growth, carcass parameters, and water holding capacity and cooking loss. However, the best energy efficiency ratios were obtained in the TM100 group. Consequently, it was concluded that replacement of FM with mealworm up to 25% had no adverse effect on growth performance, carcass parameters, meat quality and nutrient utilization efficiency of broiler chickens.

Implication of digestive functions and microbiota in the establishment of muscle glycogen differences between divergent lines for ultimate pH

Both the quality of chicken meat and the quality of chicks are influenced by the level of breast muscle glycogen reserves. In order to study the role of digestive metabolism in establishing this muscular phenotype, we compared two divergent chicken lines for the ultimate pH (pHu) of the breast meat, a proxy for glycogen reserves. Males aged 4 weeks had twice the breast muscle glycogen content in the pHu- line (low pHu) than in the pHu + line (high pHu). The increase in glycogen reserves (pHu-) was associated with a higher relative weight of the proventriculus and gizzard, as well as better apparent ileal digestibility of nitrogen and calcium. The diversity of the cecal microbiota was comparable, but three bacterial genera (Lachnospira, Lachnospiraceae UCG-010, Caproiciproducens) varied between the lines. The differences observed could lead to down-regulation of carbon fixation in prokaryotes and of the citrate cycle in the pHu + line. RNA-seq analysis of the jejunum, the major site of nutrient absorption, revealed 149 genes differentially expressed (DE) between the lines, including several genes linked to immunity, hormonal response and circadian rhythms that are less expressed in pHu + animals. Others involved in cell migration and proliferation, and more generally tissue morphogenesis, also differed between the lines. Among the DE genes, several co-localized with Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) controlling pHu and selection signatures identified in the divergent lines, such as the gene coding for ghrelin, a hormone regulating appetite.

Impact of trace mineral supplementation and translucency score on eggshell quality, hatchability, fertility, and chick quality

Impact of trace mineral supplementation and translucency score on eggshell quality, hatchability, fertility, and chick quality

Impact of the Light Colors on Embryonic Development, Hatchability, Chick Quality in Broiler Chicken

Impact of the Light Colors on Embryonic Development, Hatchability, Chick Quality in Broiler Chicken

Evaluation of Egg Production, Fertility, Hatchability, Embryonic Mortality and Chick Quality of Different Chickens

The present study was evaluated the egg production performance, fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality and chick quality from Cosmopolitan (C), Improved Horro (H), ♂Improved Horro*Cosmopolitan ♀ (HC), ♂ Cosmopolitan*Improved Horro ♀ (CH), Indigenous (L), and Koekoek (KK) genotypes. A Completely randomized design was used in the study. A total of 1800 eggs and 300 eggs of each genotype were used for the hatchability and fertility trials. A total of 360 chicks and 60 chicks of each genotype were used for chick quality study. A total of 720 genotypes (5female: 1 male) and 120 from each genotype were used for egg production. Age at first egg and age at peak varied across genotypes. KK had the highest egg production followed by CH, H, CH and C but L had the lowest egg production. KK had the highest weight and feed intake followed by HC, HC, and C, whereas had the lowest followed by H. Feed conversion ratio varied among genotypes. H had the highest egg fertility followed by CH. Conversely, C, HC, L and KK chicken genotypes were comparable and had the least egg fertility. H and CH showed the highest hatchability from set egg, whereas L showed the lowest hatchability from set egg followed by the intermediate KK, HC and C. CH indicated the highest hatchability from fertile egg set, while L confirmed that the lowest hatchability from fertile egg set followed by the intermediate KK, HC and C. The overall embryonic mortality of L was the highest, but CH had significantly lowest overall embryonic mortality followed by KK, HC and C. Chicks hatched from KK had the highest chick weight and chick length, but chicks hatched from L had the least chick weight and chick length. Eggs of L had the highest percentage egg weight yield followed by KK, whereas the CH, C, HC and H had intermediate yield percent during incubation. Conclusively: The genotype differences of hens substantially influenced egg production performance, fertility, embryonic mortality, hatchability and chick quality.

In ovo feeding of Citrus aurantiifolia seed extract on hatchability, chick quality, physiological response, intestinal morphology and posthatch growth performance of cobb 500 broiler chickens

In ovo feeding of Citrus aurantiifolia seed extract on hatchability, chick quality, physiological response, intestinal morphology and posthatch growth performance of cobb 500 broiler chickens

Evaluation of d 18 in ovo administration of soursop (Annona muricata) leaf extract into the air space on hatch performance and physiology of Noiler chicks

Efficient poultry production can be accomplished using combined technologies. A combination of in ovo and ethno-veterinary technologies can deliver significant benefits, including reduced labour and production costs. This study evaluated the effect of in ovo administration of soursop leaf extract (SLE) on the hatching performance and physiology of Noiler chicks. A total of 550 eggs were incubated, and 460 fertile eggs were randomly distributed into 4 groups with 3 replicates on the 18th d of incubation. The eggs were then injected with 0.75 µg SLE, 1.5 µg SLE, and saline solution (negative control) at a rate of 0.2 ml in the air space. The noninjected group served as the positive control. At the end of the hatching period, the various groups were evaluated for embryo mortality, hatchability, hatch duration, organ weight, serum biochemistry, and chick quality. The results showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in embryonic mortality, hatchability, organ weight, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and glucose among the treatment groups. However, chick weight, chick quality, and serum triglyceride levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the extract-injected group. Additionally, incubation and hatch times were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the SLE group compared to the other groups. In ovo administration of soursop leaf extract resulted in reduced incubation duration, hatch time, and embryo mortality. In conclusion, the in ovo injection of SLE improved hatch performance and chick quality.

Effect of Phage Spray on Hatchability and Chick Quality of Eggs Contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium.

Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) contamination poses a significant challenge to breeder egg hatchability and chick health, necessitating the exploration of alternative disinfection methods. This study investigates the potential of phage vB_SPuM_SP02 (SP02) as a novel disinfectant for breeder eggs contaminated with S. Typhimurium SM022. Phage SP02 was isolated from poultry farm effluent and characterized for morphology, biological properties, and genome properties. Experimental groups of specific pathogen-free (SPF) eggs were treated with Salmonella and phage SP02, and efficacy was assessed through hatching rates, chick survival, weight, Salmonella load, immune organ indices, and intestinal flora. Phage treatment effectively eradicated Salmonella contamination on eggshells within 12 h, resulting in increased hatching and survival rates compared to controls. Furthermore, phage treatment mitigated weight loss and tissue Salmonella load in chicks without causing immune organ damage while reducing Salmonella spp. abundance in the intestinal tract. This study demonstrates the potential of phage SP02 as an eco-friendly and efficient disinfectant for S. Typhimurium-contaminated breeder eggs, offering promising prospects for practical application in poultry production.

In-ovo injection of Bacillus subtilis, raffinose, and their combinations enhances hatchability, gut health, nutrient transport- and intestinal function-related genes, and early development of broiler chicks

An experiment was conducted to assess the response of chicks to in-ovo injection of Bacillus subtilis (probiotic), raffinose (prebiotic), and their combinations. The study used 1,500 embryonated eggs allotted to 10 groups/ 6 replicates (150 eggs/group). The experimental treatments were: 1) un-injected control (NC); 2) sham (sterile distilled water) (PC); 3) probiotic 4 × 105CFU/egg (LBS); 4) probiotic 4 × 106CFU/egg (HBS); 5) prebiotic 2 mg/egg (LR); (6 prebiotic 3 mg/egg (HR); 7) probiotic 4 × 105CFU + prebiotic 2 mg/egg (LBS+LR); 8) probiotic 4 × 105CFU + prebiotic 3 mg/egg (LBS+HR); 9) probiotic 4 × 106CFU + prebiotic 2 mg/egg (HBS+LR); and 10) probiotic 4 × 106CFU + prebiotic 3 mg/egg (HBS+HR). Results showed that in-ovo inclusion of Bacillus subtilis, prebiotic, and their combinations improved hatchability, yolk-free chick weight, and chick weight compared to the control group. Moreover, the in-ovo treatment reduced residual yolk weight on the day of hatch compared to the control group. Different levels of in-ovo B. subtilis alone or combined with raffinose significantly (P ≤ 0.001) reduced total bacterial count and total yeast and mold count compared to the negative control group. Total coliform and E. coli decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.001) in groups treated with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics with different doses during incubation compared to those in the control. Clostridium spp. was not detected in the groups injected with B. subtilis alone or combined with raffinose. In-ovo probiotics and synbiotics (LBS+LR & LBS+HR) significantly (P ≤ 0.001) increased ileal villus length compared to other groups. In-ovo treatment increased mRNA expression of JAM-2 compared to the control group. The fold change significantly increased in group LBS+HR for genes MUC-2, OCLN, VEGF, SGLT-1, and EAAT-3 compared to the negative control. In conclusion, in-ovo injection of a low dose of B. subtilis plus a high or low dose of raffinose can positively affect hatching traits, cecal microbial populations, intestinal histomorphometry, nutrient transport- and intestinal function-related genes, and chick quality of newly hatched broiler chicks.

In ovo injection of bee pollen extract on hatchability, chick quality, glycogen reserves and production performance in broiler chickens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of in ovo injection of bee pollen (BP) extract on some hatching traits, glycogen reserves and production performance in broilers. A total of 886 eggs was randomly assigned to 5 treatments: the 0.9% NaCl diluent-injected control group, and the groups that were injected with BP extract at 3 different concentrations: BP-1.5%, BP-2.5% and BP-5.0% (7, 12 and 25 mg/egg, respectively). The last group received a carbohydrate solution (CS). At 18 d of incubation, 500 µL of each solution was injected into the air sac of each egg of the injected groups. After hatching, a total of 570 one-day-old chicks were distributed into 5 groups (in ovo injection) with 3 replicates with 38 birds. The in ovo injection of BP at a dose of 5% and CS resulted in lower hatching rates (P < 0.05) as compared with the control group. The level of glycogen in the muscle tissue of newly hatched birds was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Supplementation of embryos with BP extract also caused a significant increase in the length of chicks in the BP-1.5% group (P < 0.001). Hatched chicks from the injected eggs had a lower liver glycogen content than that of the control. Based on the results, it was concluded that high-quality day-old chicks could be obtained by in ovo injection. Supplementation of chicks with 1.5% BP extract had a beneficial effect on BW during the first rearing period and showed a hypocholesterolemic effect in young chicks. At the same time, an adverse effect of a high dose of BP (5%) and a carbohydrate solution administered in ovo on the hatchability level of chicks was shown. The implementation of the carbohydrate mixture resulted in a deterioration of biochemical indices in the plasma of newly hatched chicks, especially in the case of transaminase activity.

Health, welfare and lifetime performance implications of alternative hatching and early life management systems for broiler chickens.

Broiler chicks are typically hatched in a hatchery, exposing them to handling and transportation before being placed on the farm where (dry) feed and water is offered. This study compared different early life systems, including: (1) typical practice (control), (2) typical practice with wet feed offered upon placement, (3) access to water at the hatchery, (4) access to feed and water at the hatchery, (5) hatching on the farm. Birds were placed in groups of approximately 500 (day 0), with six replicates per treatment. Measures were taken between placement and slaughter (day 39) and included chick quality (navel and red hock scores), body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality, gait and litter conditions scores, and behavioral and post-mortem assessments. There were no apparent treatment effects on gait score, play behaviour or novel object test measures, and no consistent effects on litter quality. Chick quality was only evaluated in Treatments 1 and 5 and was numerically worse in Treatment 5. Body weight at slaughter was lowest in Treatment 2, and did not differ between other treatments. Overall FCR was lowest (best) in Treatment 1, and did not differ between other treatments. There was higher overall mortality in Treatments 3 and 4 than in other treatments apart from Treatment 5. Treatment 4 appeared to promote feeding behaviour upon placement, and Treatment 5 birds rested the most, significantly more than in Treatment 2. Treatment 5 birds had the greatest bursa weights, and tibial dyschondroplasia appeared worse in Treatment 4. There were no consistent effects of early access to feed and water on gastrointestinal tract weight measures at slaughter. Compared to the control, there were few benefits in providing feed and/or water in the hatchery, or wet feed. Some benefits of in-house hatching were found, but negative effects were also apparent.

Benefit and potential risk: Effects of in ovo copper oxide nanoparticles supplementation on hatchability traits, organ weightsand histological features of newly hatched chicks.

This investigation was directed to examine the influence of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) on the hatchability traits, and chick quality of newly hatched broiler chicks. A total of 480 eggs were randomly divided into four treatment groups, each consisting of three duplicates. As a negative control (NC), the first group was not injected; the second group was injected with saline and served as a positive control (PC), the third and fourth groups were injected with 30 and 60 ppm of (CuO-NPs)/egg. Eggs were injected into the amniotic fluid on the eighteenth day of the incubation period. Results showed that the hatchability, chick yield %, yolk free-body mass (YFBM), chick length, shank length (SL), and relative weight of the heart, gizzard and intestine of day-old broiler chicks were all unaffected by the in ovo injection of CuO-NPs. The Pasgar Score was slightly improved compared to the NC and PC groups. Also, the in ovo administration of CuO-NPs (60 ppm/egg) significantly increased the intestine length. Both levels of CuO-NPs significantly increased the concentration of Cu ions in the hepatic tissue. Additionally, different levels of tissue damage were seen in the liver of the birds that were given low or high dosages of CuO-NPs. Conclusively, the in ovo injection of CuO-NPs has a good result on the appearance of the chicks (Pasgar score). However, negative effect of CuO-NPs on liver tissue may raise concerns about the potential risks of applying CuO-NPs in ovo administration.

Effects of Hatching Eggs Storage at Room Temperature on Hatching Performance and Day Old Chick Quality of Arab Chickens

This study evaluated the effect of hatching egg storage at room temperature on hatching performance and day old chick quality of Arab chickens. Two hundreds hatching eggs were obtained at the same day from 55-weeks-old Arab chicken flocks. Hatching eggs were then randomly distributed into four treatments, including 1 day storage (1DS), 4 days storage (4DS), 7 days storage (7DS), and 10 days storage (10DS). Each of those treatment using five replicates and each of replicate consisted of 10 hatching eggs. Temperature and relative humidity in the storage room were 27.9 ± 0.55 °C and 55.4 ± 4.84%, respectively. At the end of each storage duration, hatching eggs were incubated at temperature and relative humidity of 37.8 ± 0.08 °C and 58.94 ± 5.66%, respectively, for 516 hours. Result showed that egg storage duration for up to 10 days did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) fertility. However, 4DS treatment had a higher (P &lt; 0.05) hatchability of set eggs and hatchability of fertile eggs. Embryonic mortality was also lower (P &lt; 0.05) in 4DS than the other treatments. Egg storage duration had no effect (P &gt; 0.05) on chick length, hatch yield, and Pasgar score. Whereas, chick weight in 1DS and D4S was higher (P &lt; 0.05) than 7DS and 10DS. Furthermore, saleable chicks in 4DS also higher (P &lt; 0.05) than the other treatments. It could be concluded that hatching egg storage at room temperature for 4 days provides optimum hatching performance and day old chick quality of Arab chickens.

Dietary supplementation with quercetin: an ideal approach for improving meat quality and oxidative stability of broiler chickens

This study aimed to improve the eating quality of yellow-feathered broiler chicks by feeding them corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg quercetin. we examined the impact of varying doses of dietary quercetin on the sensory quality of chicken breast meat as well as on the antioxidant enzymes, antioxidant-related signaling molecules, structure and thermal stability of myofibrillar protein (MPs), and microstructure of myogenic fibers in the meat during 24 h of postslaughter aging. Additionally, we investigated the potential correlations among antioxidant capacity, MP structure, and meat quality parameters. The results indicated that dietary supplementations with 500 and 1,000 mg/kg quercetin improved the physicochemical properties and eating quality of yellow-feathered broiler chicken breast meat during 12 to 24 h postslaughter. Additionally, quercetin improved the postslaughter oxidative stress status and reduced protein and lipid oxidation levels. It also increased hydrogen bonding interactions and α-helix content during 6 to 12 h postslaughter and decreased β-sheet content during 12 to 24 h postslaughter in chicken breast MP. This resulted in improved postslaughter MP structure and thermal stability. The correlation results indicated that the enhancement of antioxidant capacity and MP structure enhanced the physicochemical and edible qualities of yellow-feathered broiler chicken breast meat. In conclusion, the current findings suggest that dietary supplementation with quercetin is an ideal approach for improving the eating quality of chicken meat, thereby broadening our understanding of theoretical and technological applications for improving the quality of chicken.

The Effect of Maternal Hormones on the Avian Offspring: A Review

Maternal hormones have a significant impact on the development of avian embryos, controlling vital physiological functions such as immune system development, metabolism control, and productive traits. This review will examine the different types of maternal hormones, synthesis, regulation, and effects on avian physiology and productivity, as well as the implications for embryonic development. Additionally, it appears that how they might affect hatchability and chick quality. Studies have shown that maternal hormones transfer to eggs and subsequently affect the offspring's development, greatly influencing the behavior and phenotype of avian offspring overall. Understanding these mechanisms can help improve our knowledge of developmental biology, parental investment, and evolutionary processes that influence avian traits. Different species of birds may experience different effects when exposed to maternal hormones. For example injecting testosterone into bird eggs can increase the rate at which certain species hatch, such as quail, other species may see a decrease in hatchling weight. This emphasizes the complexity of hormonal influences on bird development and the necessity of more research. In particular, it is still unclear how yolk steroids affect birds' immune systems; early research indicates that they may chickens' ability to produce antibodies. Undertaking further research is necessary to completely understand the implications of avian immunity to fill in these gaps in knowledge across species and developmental stages.

Effects of in ovo vaccination time on broiler performance parameters under field conditions

Hatchery performance is often evaluated based on descriptors such as hatchability, 7-d mortality, and cost. In addition to these descriptors, it is useful to include in this analysis aspects of chick quality through post-hatch performance. Realizing the bird's complete genetic potential necessitates meeting various criteria, with effective support for the chick's immune system being among the pivotal factors. To be effective, in ovo vaccination systems must deliver the vaccines to specific sites in the egg, a circumstance that directly depends on when the injection is made. We examined production data to evaluate the impact of in ovo vaccination time on performance parameters of male Ross308AP chicks. A comprehensive survey was conducted examining records from 3,722 broiler flocks produced and raised by the same company under standard nutrition and management conditions. The selected data specifically pertained to flocks that underwent slaughter between 41 and 45 d. In our analysis, 4 different linear models were built, one for each response variable: mean weight (MW), body weight gain (BWG), corrected feeding conversion rate (cFCR), and total mortality (TM). The linear models used in the analyses included as main predictor the timing of in ovo vaccination (440, 444, 448, 452, 456, 458, and 460 h of incubation), and as additional predictors: age of the breeding flock (26-35, 36-55 and 56-66 wks old), slaughter age, identity of the hatchery, and the season at which the data was collected. Our results showed that the timing of in ovo vaccination significantly affected BWG and cFCR, with procedures performed at 460 h of incubation showing the best outcomes. Breeding flock age affected all response variables, with older breeding flocks delivering increased MW, BWG and TM, and middle-aged flocks increased cFCR. Increasing slaughter age reduced BWG while MW, cFCR and TM were all increased. These data emphasize the benefits of performing in ovo vaccination as close as possible to 460 h of incubation to extract the best BWG and cFCR from Ross308AP male broiler.

Effect of hen age on egg quality, hatching performance and chick quality in Chukar Partridges (Alectoris chukar)

Aim: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of different hen ages on egg quality characteristics, hatching performance and chick quality in chukar partridges. Materials and Methods: A total of 510 eggs obtained from chukar partridge flocks were used to determine the effects of different hen age on hatching performance, egg quality traits and chick quality. Daily collected 20 eggs from each age group (1, 2 and 3 years of age) were assessed for internal quality characteristics. A total of 150 eggs per each age group were set into incubator and hatcher set. After hatching, unhatched eggs were broken to determine hatching performance and embryonic mortality. Hatched day-old chicks were scored to determine chick quality characteristics. Results: Internal egg quality traits were not statistically affected by different breeding ages. Different breeding ages did not affect hatchability, early and middle embryonic mortality while late embryonic mortality and fertility of eggs were statistically affected. The evaluated chick quality traits were affected by the different hen age. Conclusion: Despite decreasing fertility rate with age, the results of this study suggest incubating eggs of chukar hens with 3 years age for optimum chick quality and being raised chukar hens up to 3 years of age.

Influence of In-ovo Feeding Vitamins E, B1, and B2 to Broiler Embryos on Hatchability, Chick Quality, and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Hatched Chicks

Influence of In-ovo Feeding Vitamins E, B1, and B2 to Broiler Embryos on Hatchability, Chick Quality, and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Hatched Chicks