Hatching Of Chicks Research Articles

No effects of asynchrony between hatching and peak food availability on chick growth in Semipalmated Plovers (Charadrius semipalmatus) near Churchill, Manitoba

Birds rely on consistent patterns of food availability on their breeding grounds to successfully complete their breeding cycle. Due to ongoing warming of the sub-Arctic, there is potential for a mismatch between the peak in available invertebrate biomass and the peak in food demand for shorebird chicks. During the summers of 2010 and 2011, we investigated the relationship between temperature and benthic and terrestrial invertebrate biomass, measured using three sampling techniques in Churchill, Manitoba. We also investigated the relationship between timing of breeding of Semipalmated Plovers (Charadrius semipalmatus) and timing of peaks in invertebrate biomass. In 2011, chick growth rates were also measured to examine whether hatching in synchrony with the peak in invertebrate biomass during the brood rearing period affected growth rates. In 2010, emergent and core invertebrate biomass were negatively related to soil degree days, whereas in 2011, core biomass increased with soil degree days and pitfall biomass increased with air temperature. Total invertebrate biomass (summed over trap types) peaked from 25 to 31 days before the median chick hatch date in 2010 and 10 days after the median chick hatch date in 2011. In 2011 we did not detect any effects of asynchrony on the growth of Semipalmated Plover chicks. These results may indicate that food resources in their environment remain adequate throughout the breeding season, despite inter-annual fluctuations in the timing of invertebrate peaks.

Effect of Egg Position in the Incubator on Broiler Hatching Results

ABSTRACT This study investigated whether the effect of egg location during incubation on hatching results in broiler eggs. For this purpose, a total of 756 broiler eggs were incubated for 21 days. The eggs were divided near the door and near the fan, and distributed on top (216 eggs), 324 in the middle (324 eggs), and in the bottom (216 eggs) according to a completely randomized design (CRD). As a result of this study, no significant effect of egg location on incubation yield, hatchability, and embryonic mortalities was found (p>0.05). In some locations the eggs which were closer to the fan had generally higher hatchability (top fan 86.9%, middle fan 69.6%, and bottom fan 81.7%). The value of the incubation yield was among 67.3-85.2%. Embryonic mortalities were also analyzed according to the locations and were found as 0,00-2.57% for the early period, 0.00-1.00% for the middle period, 11.0-16.5% for the late period and 0.00-8.65% for pipped eggs. At different hatching times, the effect of the egg position on the hatching rate was found insignificant (p>0.05). The hatching rates support the result that temperatures measured in different locations of the machine were suitable for chick hatching. As a result, the effect of egg position in the machine was not statistically significant on the hatching results. However, the eggs closer to the fan had earlier hatching than the ones close to the door.

The leg strength of two commercial strains of meat chicken subjected to different incubation profiles

Lower egg shell temperatures (EST) during the first 2 weeks of incubation, notionally known as Slow start incubation, extended the standing time of a 5-week-old fast feathering meat chicken parent line. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Slow start incubation on the standing ability of commercial meat chickens. Eggs from two strains of meat chickens, Strains 1 and 2, were incubated using either the Slow start incubation, (the initial EST was 36.75°C followed by a gradual increase in EST, reaching 37.8°C at day 16 of incubation), or Control incubation (EST 37.75°C to 38°C from the start of incubation until day 18 of incubation). Eggs were observed every 6 h from 468 h until 516 h of incubation to identify chick hatch window. At 516 h of incubation all chicks were taken out of the incubator (take-off). Chicks from each Strain and incubation treatment were randomly selected for assessment of chick weight, chick length, yolk sac weight, serum Ca and P, and femoral bone ash (BA). All unhatched eggs were inspected to determine the stage of embryo failure. Remaining chicks were grown for 5 weeks in floorpens. Weekly feed intake (FI), chick weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined. At 35 days of age the standing ability of visibly male birds was assessed in a latency-to-lie test. Compared to the Control, Slow start incubation delayed the average hatch time of both strains by ∼13 h, and reduced hatchability with 4.6% live but unhatched chicks, which was most evident in Strain 2. Significant differences due to main effects only were observed at take-off. Strain 1 chicks were significantly heavier and longer with higher serum Ca but significantly lower BA and serum P than Strain 2. Slow start incubation generated significantly heavier chicks that were shorter, but had significantly heavier yolk sacs, lower serum Ca but higher serum P than Control incubated chicks. During the 1st week post hatch Strain 1 Control incubated chicks had significantly higher FI and higher FCR than all other Strain and incubation treatments. At 35 days of age Slow start incubated birds of both Strains stood significantly longer than those from the Control incubation. This experiment clearly demonstrated the ability of Slow start incubation of commercial meat chickens to improve their leg strength.

Effect of Yolk Hormones and Egg Weight on the Sex of Hatch Chicks, Hatchability and Embryonic Mortality of Japanese Quail

Effect of Yolk Hormones and Egg Weight on the Sex of Hatch Chicks, Hatchability and Embryonic Mortality of Japanese Quail

Prognostic indicators for survival in African penguin chicks (Spheniscus demersus): A retrospective analysis.

Mystic Aquarium has successfully maintained an active breeding population of African penguins since 1990. Between 1990 and 2015, 477 eggs were laid, 84 of which were recommended for rearing according to the SSP Breeding and Transfer Plan. Sixty-five percent hatched successfully, and total fertility ranged from 56% to 78%. Of the 55 hatchlings, 60% of chicks reached fledgling age (80 days). Of the 22 chicks that died before fledging, 59% died within 7 days of hatching, and 82% within 30 days of hatching. Categories of mortality were broken down into the following categories: failure to thrive (in the absence of a definitive cause of death) (41%), respiratory disease (32%), parent-associated trauma (13%), congenital defects (9%), and gastrointestinal disease (5%). Analysis of associated factors identified a significant correlation between the hatch weights of chicks that survived beyond day 7 (60.5-66.0 g), and those that did not (49.5-59.5 g). Further positive correlations were established between chick hatch weight and both dam body weight, and egg weight. While hand-reared chicks gained weight more slowly than their parent-reared counterparts, results showed that rearing method had no significant impact on survival. The findings of this study provide a baseline for assessing reproductive success and chick mortality, and supply prognostic indicators for evaluating chick success in managed African penguin populations.

EFFECTS OF BETAINE WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF GUANDINO ACETIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION ON PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL MAMOURAH STRAIN DURING SUMMER SEASON IN EGYPT.

ABSTRACT: The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of adding betaine with different levels of guandino acetic acid (GAA) on the productive and reproductive performances of the Mamourah chickens strain, under Egyptian summer conditions. A total number of 192 laying hens and 24 cocks of Mamourah chickens at 48 weeks of age (At 63.24 % egg production) was used in a completely randomized design and randomly assigned into 8 experimental similar groups in body weight and egg production (24 hens + 3 cocks in each treatment group), each group with three replications (8hens +1 cock in each replicate) and was kept in a single cage within an open system house until 60 weeks of age. The experimental 8 groups were arranged as control, and that fed a basal diet supplemented with 1600 mg betaine/kg diet, while the third up fifth groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 600, 800 and 1000 mg guandino acetic acid/kg diet, respectively, and from the sixth to the eighth groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 1600 mg betaine/kg diet and 600, 800 and 1000 mg guandino acetic acid/kg diet. The obtained results showed that, dietary betaine and GAA had no significant (P<0.05) effect on body weight changes (BWC),feed intake (FI), egg weight (EW), hatchability/fertility eggs (%), chick hatch weight (gm), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) of Mamourah layers during the whole experimental period. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg production (EP) and egg mass (EM) significantly (P<0.01) improved in hens fed the diet containing 1600 mg betaine + 600 mg/Kg GAA as compared to the control group. Fertility eggs (%) and hatchability/total eggs (%) were significantly (P<0.05 and 0.01) higher for layers fed diets contained betaine, GAA and their mixtures., Increasing the amount of GAA significantly (P≤0.05) increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). However, Malonidialdehyde (MDA) caused decreased significantly (P≤0.05) with supplementing either dietary betaine, GAA and their mixtures as compared with the control group. Dietary supplementation of either betaine, GAA and their mixtures improved significantly (P<0.05) sperm motility (%), dead spermatozoa (%), sperm abnormalities (%), sperm-cell concentration (X 109/ml) and acrosomal damage (%) as compared with the control group. Feeding Mamourah layers a diet supplemented with1600 mg betaine + 600 mg GAA recorded the highest net revenue and the best economical efficiency. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of betaine with various levels of GAA might be potentially used to improve each of EP, fertility eggs (%) and hatchability per total eggs (%) of Mamourah laying hens and most characters of semen quality for cocks under summer season conditions in Egypt.

Influence of age on fertility rate and chicken hatchability at artificial insemination by semen diluted with VNIIGRZH extender

The ewe's cervix structure is highly variable among females, which may limit the application of transcervical artificial insemination (TCAI). This work aimed to study the variation in cervix anatomy in two different prolificacy breeds (D’man a prolific and Boujaâd a non-prolific sheep). Reproductive tracts were collected from D'man (n = 64) and Boujaâd (n = 187) females aged between 1 and 4 years. The weight of the uterus, length of the cervix and depth of penetration of the inseminating pipette were recorded. The number of cervical rings was counted and their arrangement graded. The cervix anatomy of D’man ewes differs from that of Boujaâd. The cervix morphology of Boujaâd ewes is more complex compared to D’man ewes; this complexity depends on the age of the ewe. No significant difference was found regarding the depth of penetration of the insemination catheter for the two breeds at 1, 2 and 4 years old (P > 0.05). However, at 3 years old, the highest depth of penetration (P < 0.05) was recorded in D’man ewes. In addition, for both breeds, grade 2 was the most frequent (P < 0.05), and the cervix became less complicated for TCAI with advanced age (4 years old). To conclude, the cervix of D’man ewes is less complex and more favorable to TCAI. In addition, to overcome the complexity of the cervix in Boujaâd sheep, a selection of 4-year-old ewes will make the penetration of the artificial insemination catheter possible.

HUSK OF KOREAN PINE CONES IN DIETS OF LAYING QUAILS

There was studied effectiveness of introduction Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) cone husks into diets of laying quails of Japanese breed as a source of natural amino acids, microelements and other biologically active substances. Experiment of 182 days duration was carried out according to the standard technique in four groups of 50 birds each kept in a cell battery under required microclimate conditions. Quails of all groups received the basic diet (feed), developed taking into account their age and physiological characteristics. Quails of 1st to 3rd experimental groups, unlike the control one were additionally fed with Korean pine cone husks in the amount of 1.5; 2.0 and 2.5 kg/t of feed respectively. There was studied influence of different doses of the additive on laying quails egg productivity, eggs chemical composition and incubation qualities, diet nutrients digestibility, the balance and use of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus and hematological parameters. It was found that adding a new supplement in amount of 1.5–2.5 kg/t into combined feeds increased poultry egg production by 2.9 and 5.8 %, the intensity of oviposition by 2.0 to 4.0 %, egg weight by 2.70–4.71 %, total egg mass by 5.69 – of 10.83 %, yield of hatching eggs by 2.19–8.58 % and the hatchability of chicks from eggs laid by 6.3 and 8.2 %. At the same time, feed consumption per unit of production decreased by 7.95 – 18.18 %, incubation waste by 33.3 %. Feeding with pine cone husks in the indicated doses increased the digestibility of the diet dry matter by 1.63–2.16 %, crude protein by 1.28 –1.82 %, crude fiber by 0.76 – 3.03 %, the efficiency of nitrogen use for egg formation in 1.12–1.23 times. It was also revealed that feeding with the addition of Korean pine cone husks at the rate of 2.5 kg / t feed had a maximum positive impact on the zootechnic and economic indicators of productive use of laying quails.

Effect of Hatching Time on Yolk Sac Percentage and Broiler Live Performance

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of broiler chick hatching time on the percentage of the yolk sac and subsequent broiler live performance. Broiler hatching eggs were obtained from a commercial flock at 55 wk of age and were stored for 2 d at 18°C and 75% relative humidity (RH) prior to incubation. Chicks were identified as hatching Early (471-477 h), Middle (480-486 h), and Late (494-510 h). All chicks were removed from the trays at 510 h of incubation. Body weight (BW) and yolk weight (YW) were determined at emergence from the shell (initial hatch time) and at placement on feed. Chicks were permanently identified by hatch time with neck tags, feather sexed, weighed, and introduced to feed and water in litter floor pens. Broiler BW and feed consumption (FC) were then determined 7, 21, and 35 d of age. Mortality was recorded daily. Although the percentage of the yolk was similar at hatch time, it was less in Early compared to Middle and Late chicks at placement (p≤0.05). Broiler chick BW was greater at placement in Late chicks compared to Early and Middle chicks (p≤0.05) but this advantage disappeared by 7 d because Late chicks consumed less feed to 7 d (p≤0.05). Early hatched broilers exhibited greater BW than Late with Middle broilers intermediate at 35 d (p≤0.05). There were no significant differences in feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 35 d of age. Additionally, late hatch chicks exhibited greater mortality. Overall, live performance of Late hatching chicks, judged by mortality and BW at 35 d, was reduced compared to Early hatching chicks.

Effect of a 1800MHz electromagnetic field emitted during embryogenesis on chick development and hatchability.

The level of artificial electromagnetic field (EMF) has steadily increased with the development of human civilization. The developing chicken embryo has been considered a good model to study the effects of EMF on living organisms. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a 1800MHz electromagnetic field during embryogenesis on the frequency of chick embryo malformations, morphometric parameters of the heart and liver and concentration of corticosterone in blood plasma, lipid and glycogen content in the liver of newly hatched chicks. A 1800MHz EMF was found to shorten the duration of embryogenesis (earlier pipping and hatching of chicks) while having no effect on the quantity and quality of chicks and on increasing the incidence of embryo malformations. Exposure of chick embryos to EMF caused decreases in relative heart weight and right ventricle wall thickness. The pipping and hatching of chicks can be accelerated by stressful impact of EMF, which is confirmed by a significant increase in plasma corticosterone concentrations and decrease in fat and glycogen in the liver of chicks exposed during embryogenesis on the electromagnetic field with a frequency of 1800MHz.

Incubation and hatch management: consequences for bone mineralization in Cobb 500 meat chickens

From ~35 days of age fast growing meat chickens spend extended periods sitting or lying and less time standing. In a fast-feathering parent line lower early incubation temperatures which delayed chick hatch time, improved bone ash and extended their standing time. This incubation study assessed the consequences of incubation temperatures, hatch time and chick management at hatch/take off on femoral bone ash (BA) in Cobb 500 meat chickens. Embryos were incubated under either Control (between 37.8°C and 38.2°C egg shell temperature (EST)) or a Slow start (from 37.2°C at sett (the start of incubation), reaching 37.8°C EST at day 13 incubation), temperatures. Hatched chicks were identified at 492 h (20.5 days of incubation – classified as early (E)) or, between >492 and ⩽516 h (>20.5 and ⩽21.5 days of incubation – classified as late (L)), from setting. The E hatch chicks were allocated across three post-hatch treatments; treatment 1: E hatch chicks that were sampled E at 492 h from setting; treatment 2: E hatch chicks that were fed for a further 24 h in a floorpen before being sampled L at 516 h from setting; treatment 3: E hatch chicks that spent a further 24 h in the incubator before being sampled L at 516 h from setting. All L hatch chicks formed one treatment group which was sampled L at 516 h (i.e. L hatch chicks sampled L). It is not possible to sample L hatching chicks E hence this treatment is absent from the experimental design. Slow start incubation resulted in a higher total hatch percentage with a greater proportion of chicks hatching L, compared with the Control incubation. The L hatching chicks had significantly higher BA than the E hatching chicks. Of the E hatching chicks, those sampled both E and L had significantly lower BA than E hatching chicks fed for 24 h before L sampling. The E hatch, fed and sampled L chicks had the numerically highest BA, which was not significantly different from the BA of the L hatching chicks sampled L These results demonstrate that BA at hatch can be improved, either by extending the incubation period through a Slow start incubation profile, inducing L hatch, or alternatively, via the prompt provision of feed to E hatching chicks.

In ovo evaluation of FloraMax®-B11 on Marek’s disease HVT vaccine protective efficacy, hatchability, microbiota composition, morphometric analysis, and Salmonella enteritidis infection in broiler chickens

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of in ovo administration of FloraMax®-B11 (FM) on Marek’s disease (MD) herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) vaccine protective efficacy, hatchability, microbiota composition, morphometric analysis, and Salmonella enteritidis (SE) infection in chickens. Experiment 1 consisted of 3 trials. In trials 1 and 2, d 18 White Leghorn 15I5 x71 embryos were randomly distributed in 4 groups: 1) HVT vaccinated in ovo and no Marek’s disease virus (MDV) challenge; 2), HVT + FM vaccinated in ovo and no MDV challenge; 3) HVT vaccinated in ovo and challenge with virulent MDV (vMDV; strain 583A); and 4), HVT + FM vaccinated in ovo and challenge with vMDV. Trial 3 was designed exactly the same as Experiment 1 but chicks were challenged with very virulent MDV (vvMDV; strains Md5 and 612). Birds were monitored until 8 wk of age, and tested for MD incidence. Experiment 2 consisted of 3 trials. In each trial, d 18 broiler embryos were injected in ovo with either saline or FM to measure hatchability and gastrointestinal bacterial composition. In Experiment 3, d 18 broiler embryos were injected in ovo with either saline or FM. All chickens that hatched were orally gavaged with SE at hatch and kept for 7 d to monitor post-hatch BW. No significant difference (P > 0.05) between MD percentage in birds vaccinated with HVT alone or HVT + FM were observed in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, probiotic did not negatively affect hatchability, but did reduce lactose positive Gram-negative bacteria. Further, increase in BW was associated with higher villi surface area in the ileum in chickens that received the probiotic as well as a significant reduction in the SE incidence in Experiment 3. These results suggest that in ovo administration of FM does not negatively impact the ability of HVT to protect against MD or hatchability of chickens, but improves BW during the first 7 d of life and decreases SE recovery in chickens.

Impact of maternal heat stress in conjunction with dietary zinc supplementation on hatchability, embryonic development, and growth performance in offspring broilers

The aim of this study was to investigate whether maternal dietary supplementations with different zinc (Zn) sources could reduce the deleterious effect of maternal heat stress on hatchability performance and progeny growth performance. A completely randomized design (n = 6) with 2 maternal environmental temperatures [normal 21 ± 1°C (NT) vs. high 32 ± 1°C (HT)] × 3 maternal dietary supplemental Zn levels [Zn-unsupplemented control diet (CON), the control diet + 110 mg of Zn/kg of diet as either inorganic ZnSO4 (iZn) or organic Zn with a moderate chelation strength (oZn)] was used. HT decreased (P < 0.05) fertility, hatchability, chick hatch weight, and embryonic survival. HT also decreased (P ≤ 0.05) progeny BW, ADG, and ADFI at one to 21, 22 to 28, and 29 to 42 d of age as well as breast muscle ratio and plasma aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase activities at 42 d of age. Maternal dietary Zn supplementation with either iZn or oZn increased (P < 0.004) Zn contents in yolk and liver, non-weak chick ratio, as well as progeny BW, ADFI, and survivability at one to 21 d of age. Notably, the addition of oZn increased (P < 0.05) hatchability and progeny thigh meat quality by reducing b* value. The progeny ADG at one to 21 d and 22 to 28 d of age and BW at 28 d of age from maternal NT were not affected (P > 0.46) by maternal dietary Zn supplementation, but the above 3 indices from HT-iZn (P < 0.05) and HT-oZn (P < 0.003) were higher than those from HT-CON. Our results indicate that maternal heat stress impairs hatching performance, embryonic development, and progeny growth performance, inducing metabolic changes, while supplementation of Zn in maternal diets regardless of Zn sources improved hatch chick quality and survivability of offspring and alleviated the negative effect of maternal heat stress on growth performance of offspring during the starter period. In addition, maternal dietary supplementation with the organic Zn improved hatchability and progeny meat quality.

The effect of essential oils on quality and mineral composition of eggshell

The effect of essential oils on quality and mineral composition of eggshell

Organic and inorganic selenium in Aseel chicken diets: Effect on hatching traits

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary selenium (Se) sources (organic and inorganic Se at 0.30 ppm and basal diet at 0 ppm level of supplemented Se) on hatching traits in four varieties of Aseel chicken, Lakha, Mushki, Peshawari, and Mianwali. In total, 84 adult molted hens (50 wk old), 21 from each variety, were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups in a 3 (Se diets) × 4 (Aseel varieties) factorial arrangement under a randomized complete block design. Each treatment was replicated 7 times with individual hens in each. Settable egg, fertility, hatch of fertile eggs, hatchability, A-grade chick, and embryonic mortality parameters were evaluated. The results indicated that the birds fed an organic Se supplemented diet had greater (P < 0.05) settable eggs, fertility, hatch of fertile eggs, hatchability, and A-grade chicks and reduced embryonic mortality than those fed inorganic or no Se. Among varieties, Mushki had lower (P < 0.05) fertility, hatch of fertile eggs, hatchability, and A-grade chicks than rest of three varieties. Interaction of Se sources and varieties indicated that dietary organic Se supplementation improved (P < 0.05) hatch of fertile eggs in Peshawari and Mianwali, whereas hatchability only in Peshawari variety and reduced embryonic mortality in Mianwali. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of organic Se could be used to improve hatching traits as well as reduce embryonic mortality in native Aseel chicken.

Effect of Moisture Loss on the Hatchability of Chicken, Duck and Quail Eggs

The study investigated the effect of moisture loss on the Hatchability of chicken, Duck and Quail eggs. A total of 480 eggs; 120 from Rhode Island Red (RIR) chicken, 60 from Zending duck and 300 from Japanese quail were collected and set in the same incubator with 3 replications to compare hatchability results among the species. Moisture loss percentage was highest (P&lt;0.01) in quail eggs (16.19%), intermediate in chicken eggs (7.76%) and lowest in duck eggs (7.24%). Among 3 genotypes, at all (0, 7 and 14 days) ages, eggs weight was highest (p&lt;0.01) in Zending duck (60.50g), intermediate in RIR chicken (59.188) and lowest in quail (9.55g). Egg weight loss at 7 and 14 days of incubation were highest in quail, intermediate in chicken and lowest in duck. There was no appreciable differences of hatchability on set eggs and fertile eggs among species (p&gt;0.05). Apparently, the hatchability on fertile eggs was similar and higher in chicken (58.3%) and quail (58.9%) and slightly lower in duck (53.7%). However, hatchability on set eggs was highest in quail (58.3%) intermediate in chicken (43.3%) and lowest in duck (40.7%). Chick weight at hatchings was highest (p&lt;0.01) in duck (37.55g), intermediate in chicken (34.56g) and lowest in quail (5.61 g). Chick weight as per cent of egg weight was found highest (p&lt;0.01) in duck (62.07%), intermediate in chicken (58.40%) and lowest in quail (54.24%). There were some relations among the different hatchability results depending on species. There were marked variations in moisture effect among the species. It was clear that hatchability not only affected by species but moisture loss also played an important role on hatchability. It was concluded that under similar environment, hatchability on fertile eggs were similar and higher in quail and chicken and lower in duck. But hatchability on set eggs was highest in quail, intermediate in chicken and lowest in duck. It imply that some losses of moisture with various level may be necessary to enhance egg hatchability is required to support hatching results in different species of poultry.J. Environ. Sci. &amp; Natural Resources, 9(2): 105-108 2016

The first serological investigation of Chicken astrovirus infection in China

Chicken astrovirus (CAstV) is associated with ‘white chick’ syndrome, which increases embryo mortality and reduces hatchability in chickens. In the present study, 1760 sera were collected from 21 provinces in China to detect antibodies directed against CAstV with an ELISA. The sera were from different varieties of chicken in 85 flocks and all the flocks produced positive reactions. The overall seroprevalence in the birds tested was 60.68%. The prevalence increased from 34.17% to 74.44% with the increase of age. The positivity rates in layer flocks, layer parent flocks, broiler flocks, broiler parent flocks, and domestic chicken flocks were 70.17%, 89.00%, 31.67%, 59.05%, and 45.79%, respectively. These data indicate that CAstV infections are very common in China. This is the first report of the seroprevalence of CAstV infections in China.

Mechanical vibrations in the transport of hatching eggs and the losses caused in the hatch and quality of broiler chicks

Many factors present in eggs’ transportation from incubator to growing confinements can damage their integrity and, consequently, the results of the incubation. This study aimed to evaluate whether the intensity and duration of exposures of hatching eggs to mechanical vibrations were capable of affecting the hatch and the quality of broiler chicks. Four treatments, determined by two intensities of vibrations and two durations of exposures were evaluated and compared with a control group in a randomised design in blocks with four repetitions. The vibrations were applied by a mechanical shaker before incubation. Then the eggs were incubated and as the following responses were evaluated: hatchability, the type of embryonic mortality, the quality of the birds and the total of losses. The analyses were carried out by a binomial regression model, with application of the Wald test at 5% significance level. The results showed that the exposure of eggs to mechanical vibrations harmfully affects the hatchability and reduces the ratio (percentage) of high quality chicks. Highest vibration level together with longer duration of exposure resulted in worst hatchability and losses. It is argued that the mechanical vibrations are potentially damaging and should be regarded as an important factor in the management of hatching eggs.

Effect of Borassus aethiopum extract as a biological extender on semen characteristics, fertility and hatchability in chickens

Borassus aethiopum extract as a biological extender was evaluated on semen quality, fertility and hatchability in chickens under conditions of warm preservation at 37oC. The extenders were prepared in 1:5 and 1:10 ratios (extract to normal saline) and preserved for 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours respectively in a factorial design layout. There was no significant (p&gt;0.05) effect of the extender on semen characteristics within 2 hours of preservation. However, motility (%) was significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced when the semen was preserved for more than 2 hours. Interactions between the extender ratios and the period of preservation were significant (p&lt;0.05) for motility (%), dead and abnormal cells. Motility (%) was insignificantly (p&gt;0.05) higher in the extender of 1:10 than in the extender of 1:5 and it was above 70%. Using the extender of 1:10 in the fertility and hatchability trial in a completely randomized design layout showed that fertility decreased, 95% in the 0- hour treatment to 73% in the 4-hour treatment while hatchability decreased from 71.4% in the 0-hour treatment to 61.5% in the 4-hour treatment. It may be concluded that the Borassus aethiopum extract could be used to extend and preserve the semen of chickens for 3 hours providing good fertility and hatchability of eggs.

Hatching Chicks in Room 6 by Caroline Arnold

Reviewed by: Hatching Chicks in Room 6 by Caroline Arnold Elizabeth Bush Arnold, Caroline Hatching Chicks in Room 6; written and illus. with photographs by Caroline Arnold. Charlesbridge, 2017 40p ISBN 978-1-58089-735-8 $16.99 R 4-7 yrs This photoessay follows Los Angeles kindergarten teacher Jennifer Best as she shares her enthusiasm for raising chickens with her young students. Best brings in the fertilized eggs and an incubator, and over the next two months the kids (and, by extension, Arnold’s audience) learn about and observe first hand the development of the embryos, the exhausting work of hatching, and the first weeks of the chicks’ lives. The chronological narration keeps readers invested, while egg-shaped insets add information or context as needed. It’s the close-up photographs, though, that will make this a class pleaser, with views of hardware, cages and feed, eggs cracking open, and of course the bedraggled little hatchlings and the adorable little fluffballs they become. A Q&A on all things chicken, a glossary, and lists of kid-friendly print and online resources are included. Forward-thinking carnivores in the audience may wonder what will happen to these chicks, but Arnold simply concludes, “In about five months the roosters will be able to crow. The hens will start laying eggs. Perhaps next year some of their eggs will come back to school and hatch into new chicks.” Fair enough. Copyright © 2017 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois