Poultry Hatcheries Research Articles

Isolation and Molecular Detection of Bacteria Causing Omphalitis in Poultry with Look on Antibiotic and Disinfectant Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance is an international concern and creates critical health issues for both humans and animals. This research aimed to ascertain the prevalence of isolates, antibiotic, and disinfectant resistance patterns from omphalitis suspected chicks in Dinajpur, Bangladesh. A total of 24 yolk swab samples were collected from different hatcheries for microbiological analysis and antibiotic sensitivity tests. The PCR employing 16s and 23s RNA genes was conducted to detect Escherichia coli and invA genes were used to detect Salmonella spp. and 23S rRNA genes were applied for Staphylococcus spp. A total of 35 isolates were identified where 14 (40%) E.coli, 10 (28.58%) Salmonella spp., and 11 (31.42%) Staphylococcus spp. from day 1-8, respectively. The largest amount of bacteria on day 5, including day 7 (20%), followed by days 3, 4, and 6, including 6 (17.14%) observed, respectively. The PCR band of E. coli was detected at 232 bp, Salmonella spp. 284 bp and Staphylococcus spp. 1267 bp respectively. E. coli was highly resistant to Amoxicillin (100%), followed by Tetracycline (83.33%), whereas highly sensitive to cefotaxime (100%), Gentamicin and Co-trimoxazole (83.33%). Salmonella spp. indicates high susceptibility to Cefotaxime, Co-trimoxazole, and Ceftazidime (83.33%), followed by Gentamicin (66.67%) respectively, whereas Staphylococcus spp. was found to be highly resistant to Methicillin (100%) and Ampicillin (100%) followed by Gentamicin and Tetracycline (83.33%) respectively. The MAR index calculation of isolated E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus spp. from different sources of poultry hatcheries was measured at 0.77, 0.79, and 0.77, which affect the newly hatched chicks in poultry industries. Therefore, an urgent surveillance program is needed to fight antimicrobial resistance in poultry production sectors in Bangladesh.

Surveillance of Escherichia coli in different types of chicken and duck hatcheries: one health outlook

Escherichia coli is an important zoonotic bacterium that significantly impacts one health concept. E. coli is normally detected in the gut of warm-blooded animals, but some serotypes can cause diseases in humans and animals. Moreover, it can continue for a long time in different environments, replicate in water, and survive outside different hosts. In this study, 171 samples collected from 10 different types of poultry hatcheries (automatic, semiautomatic, and manual "traditional" types) were examined for the prevalence of E. coli. PCR was applied to verify the E. coli isolates via 16S rRNA gene-specific primers. From the gathered samples, 62 E. coli isolates were recovered (36.3%). The highest prevalence was met with the manual "traditional" hatcheries (57.1%) with no significance difference (P=0.243) in the 3 types of hatcheries. The incidence of E. coli varied significantly in different tested avian types and breeds. The prevalence was 35.7% in duck hatcheries and 37% in chicken hatcheries, with significant differences between breeds of both species (P=0.024 and 0.001, respectively). The identification of zoonotic E. coli serotypes in this study is concerning, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts across various sectors, including social, environmental, and governance, to promote the adoption of the one health principle in the chicken business. Periodical surveillance, biosecurity measures at the hatcheries and farm levels, and boosting the immunity of birds were recommended to limit the risk of E. coli spread from avian sources to humans.

Storage temperature dictates the ability of chicken embryos to successfully resume development by regulating expression of blastulation and gastrulation genes.

The avian embryo has a remarkable ability that allows it to suspend its development during blastulation for a long time at low temperatures, and to resume normal development when incubated. This ability is used by poultry hatcheries to store eggs prior to incubation. We have previously found that this ability correlates with the temperature during storage; embryos recover much better following prolonged storage at 12°C rather than at 18°C. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these differences are poorly understood. To successfully resume development following storage, the embryo has to shift from the blastulation phase to gastrulation. Several genes are known to partake in the blastulation-to-gastrulation transition under normal conditions, such as the pluripotency-related genes Inhibitor of DNA Binding 2 (ID2) and NANOG that are expressed during blastulation, and the gastrulation-regulating genes NODAL and Brachyury (TBXT). However, their expression and activity following storage is unknown. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that initiate the ability to successfully transit from blastulation to gastrulation following storage, embryos were stored for 28days at 12°C or 18°C, and were assessed either prior to incubation, 12, or 18h of incubation at 37.8°C. Immediately following storage at 18°C group showed remarkable impaired morphology compared to the blastoderm of the 12°C group and of non-stored control embryos. Concurrently with these, expression of ID2 and NANOG was maintained following storage at 12°C similar to the control group, but was significantly reduced upon storage at 18°C. Nevertheless, when the 18°C-stored embryos were incubated, the morphology and the reduced genes were reverted to resemble those of the 12°C group. At variance, key gastrulation genes, NODAL and its downstream effector Brachyury (TBXT), which were similarly expressed in the control and the 12°C group, were not restored in the 18°C embryos following incubation. Notably, ectopic administration of Activin rescued NODAL and TBXT expression in the 18°C group, indicating that these embryos maintain the potential to initiate. Collectively, this study suggests a temperature-dependent mechanisms that direct the transition from blastulation to gastrulation. These mechanisms promote a successful developmental resumption following prolonged storage at low temperatures.

Highly sensitive and quick in ovo sexing of domestic chicken eggs by two-wavelength fluorescence spectroscopy

The in ovo sexing of chicken eggs is a current task and a prerequisite to overcome the mass killing of male day-old chicks from laying lines. Although various methods have been developed and tested in recent years, practicable methods for sex determination are still missing which can be applicated in poultry hatcheries before the chicken embryo is capable of nociception and pain sensation. Optical spectroscopic methods enable an early determination of the sex. In this study, a novel method based on two-wavelength in ovo fluorescence excitation is described. More than 1600 eggs were examined. In ovo fluorescence was sequentially excited at 532 nm and 785 nm. The fluorescence intensities of the spectral regions behave inversely with respect to sex. It is shown that the observed sex-related differences in the fluorescence intensities are based on the embryonic hemoglobin synthesis. The accuracy of sex determination is 96% for both sexes. The hatching rate is not reduced compared to an equivalent reference group.Graphical

Effect of pre-hatch incubator lights on the ontogeny of CNS opsins and photoreceptors in the Pekin duck

The Pekin duck is a valuable agricultural commodity globally and in the United States. Pekin ducks are seasonal breeders; they are sensitive to light and thus, research on the neuroendocrine and behavioral responses are needed to maximize production and to improve their welfare. There is compelling evidence that specific wavelengths of light may adversely alter the growth and welfare of meat (grow out) ducks. However, despite a birds' dependence upon light, in commercial poultry hatcheries, incubators almost exclusively hold eggs in the dark. Therefore, our objective was to determine the effects of lighting on the expression of retina photoreceptors (RPs) and deep brain photoreceptors (DBPs) during duck embryological development. Two groups of ducks were raised with and without light over 21 d from egg laying, embryonic day 0. Brain and retinal tissues were collected at embryonic days 3, 7, 11, 16, and 21 of a 24 d incubation period. qRT-PCR was performed on RPs (OPN1LW, OPN2SW, OPN1SW, MAFA, RHO, and RBP3) and the DBP OPN4M from retinal and brain samples, respectively. We find that the presence and absence of light during pre-hatch incubation, had no influence on the expression of any retinal photoreceptor. However, a late embryological increase in DBP OPN4M expression was observed. Taken together, the impact of light during pre-hatch incubation does not impact the overall post-hatch production. However, future directions should explore how OPN4M pre-hatch activation impacts Pekin duck post-hatch development and growth.

Temporal Study of Salmonella enterica Serovars Isolated from Fluff Samples from Ontario Poultry Hatcheries between 2009 and 2018.

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, temporal trends, seasonal patterns, and temporal clustering of Salmonella enterica isolated from fluff samples from poultry hatcheries in Ontario between 2009 and 2018. A scan statistic was used to identify clusters of common serovars and those of human health concern. A multi-level logistic regression model was used to identify factors (poultry commodity, year, season) associated with S. enterica presence. The period prevalence of S. enterica was 7.5% in broiler hatcheries, 1.6% in layer hatcheries, 7.6% in turkey hatcheries, 29.7% in waterfowl hatcheries, and 13.8% in game-bird hatcheries. An overall increasing trend in S. enterica prevalence was identified in waterfowl and game-bird hatcheries, while a decreasing trend was identified in broiler and turkey hatcheries. Overall, the most common S. enterica serovars were Kentucky, Enteritidis, Heidelberg, and Senftenberg. Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis was the most common serovar in waterfowl hatcheries. Temporal clusters were identified for all poultry commodities. Seasonal effects varied by commodity, with the highest odds of S. enterica occurring in the summer and fall. Our study offers information on the prevalence and temporality of S. enterica serovars that might guide prevention and control programs at the hatchery level.

Care For Small Babies: A DOH Policy-in-waiting

Care For Small Babies: A DOH Policy-in-waiting

Evaluation of Euthanasia Methods on Behavioral and Physiological Responses of Newly Hatched Male Layer Chicks

Simple SummaryYoung poultry that are malformed, fail to hatch, or are not economically viable must be humanely killed at the hatchery. Maceration is the predominant method used and is instantaneous and humane. However, it is possible that new methods may be developed which could improve animal welfare and reduce suffering. In this study, we used gases and a vacuum system to kill chicks by reducing available oxygen. We found that using carbon dioxide or the vacuum system resulted in better welfare, as compared to the nitrogen treatment.Newly hatched male layer chicks are considered as “by-products” in the egg industry and must be humanely euthanized at the hatchery. Instantaneous mechanical destruction (maceration) is the predominant euthanasia method applied in poultry hatcheries and is approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). However, maceration is not perceived by the public to be a humane means of euthanasia. The effects of alternative euthanasia methods, including carbon dioxide (CO2) or nitrogen (N2) inhalation, and a commercial negative pressure stunning system on behavioral and physiological responses of day-of-hatch male layer chicks, were evaluated in a field trial. Chick behaviors, including ataxia, loss of posture, convulsions, cessation of vocalization, and cessation of movement, were monitored. Serum hormones were assessed at the end of each of the alternative euthanasia treatments, including a control group allowed to breathe normal atmospheric air. The N2 method induced unconsciousness and death later than the CO2 and negative pressure methods, and increased serum corticosterone concentrations of neonatal chicks. Carbon dioxide inhalation increased serotonin concentrations as compared to controls, as well as the N2 and the negative pressure methods. The behavioral and physical responses observed in this study suggest that both CO2 inhalation and negative pressure stunning can be employed to humanely euthanize neonatal male layer chicks.

Antimicrobial activity of poultry hatch baskets containing copper inserts

Commercial poultry hatcheries provide ideal conditions for the multiplication and spread of microorganisms. Formaldehyde is widely used as a disinfectant; however, it is harmful to human health and can cause abnormal morphology in chicks. An alternative microbiological control is the use of copper, a metallic antimicrobial agent for contact surfaces. The antimicrobial efficacy of copper surfaces has been established in healthcare environments. However, its use in the poultry chain is still limited. This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial activity of common polypropylene hatch baskets with hatch baskets composed of copper (polypropylene hatch baskets covered by copper hatch baskets; polypropylene hatch baskets with solid copper plates on the bottom; polypropylene hatch baskets covered by copper hatch baskets and with solid copper plates on the bottom). To simulate a hatching environment with high contamination, the eggs and hatching cabinet were not fumigated. Microbiological analysis of the hatching cabinet environmental, surface of hatch basket, and fluff were performed. The results indicated that the absence of bottom holes resulted in a higher volume of organic matter that interfered with the copper's antimicrobial activity. The presence of copper in the hatch baskets did not decrease microbial contamination under the conditions evaluated, confirming that the metal should only be used as a complement to standard hygiene and not as a substitute for surface disinfectants. Further analysis will evaluate the antimicrobial activity of hatch baskets composed only of copper and the ability of nanoparticles to remove the biofilms formed by bacteria isolated from the poultry environment.

Аналіз біобезпеки в інкубаторіях промислових птахопідприємств

The movement to ensure Ukraine's integration into the EU is a modern direction of the current state reform. A positive reflection of this process is the official adoption of a number of legislative documents in accordance with international requirements, the standards of which regulate the production of safe and quality products, including poultry. Thus, the implementation of the necessary HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) requirements for product safety and quality at the level of European standards was able to introduce in the country only a small number of large enterprises in the poultry industry. Most medium and small poultry farms in Ukraine have not implemented the requirements of the HACCP standard and international ISO quality standards, which limited their ability to control product safety in accordance with international requirements and became an obstacle to selling their products in foreign markets. A positive and necessary point of implementation of the European biosafety requirements of the HACCP principles is the expanded possibility in carrying out effective and detailed control of safety and quality indicators of food products in the poultry industry. This control should be established by clearly defined components that are interconnected in interconnected technological processes. Such components in poultry hatcheries are: a detailed analysis of critical control points of hazards of each stage of the production process; use of components and raw materials in general; application of timely monitoring, preventive anti-epizootic and corrective measures to prevent danger at all production sites of poultry hatcheries. Thanks to the constant control of all critical control points of dangers in poultry hatcheries, it is possible to achieve the production of safe and high-quality products obtained from healthy poultry in the poultry industry.

Evaluation of the bactericidal effect of some disinfectants against E.coli and Salmonella isolated from poultry hatcheries

Poultry production considers one of the most important activities for economy and income in many countries . Proper management and hygiene in poultry hatchery mostly depend on efficient cleaning and sanitation of the hatchery environment and hatching eggs for production high quality newly hatched chicks . The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of some disinfectants (Aquavinol® 5%, Presept® 2.5%, Poviment® and MM8 ®) at various concentrations 1% , 1.5% and 2% at different contact times 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes against E.coli and Salmonella which were isolated from the poultry hatcheries at a titer of 3×106/cm2. Our results showed that Aquavinol® 5% was the highest powerful disinfectant against these pathogens, followed by Presept® 2.5% and then Poviment® ,while MM8® was the weakest disinfectant at the same conditions. Our study concluded that the prevention & control of infections depend on the disinfectant of choice that must be applied with sufficient concentration at proper exposure time to achieve the best powerful effect on microorganisms with low costs.

Aerosol delivery of synthetic DNA containing CpG motifs in broiler chicks at hatch under field conditions using a commercial-scale prototype nebulizer provided protection against lethal Escherichia coli septicemia

Synthetic DNA containing CpG motifs (CpG-ODN) are potent innate immune stimulators in neonatal and adult broiler chickens against bacterial septicemia. We have recently demonstrated that intrapulmonary (IPL) delivery of CpG-ODN as microdroplets under laboratory conditions can protect neonatal chickens against lethal Escherichia coli septicemia. The objectives of this study were to develop a commercial-scale poultry nebulizer (CSPN) that can deliver CpG-ODN as microdroplets in neonatal broiler chicks in the hatcheries and study the efficacy of CSPN in inducing immune-protective effects under different environmental conditions in 2 geographical locations in Canada. Three field experiments were conducted in commercial poultry hatcheries during different seasons of the year in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, Canada. Neonatal broiler chicks (n = 8,000/experiment) received CpG-ODN by the IPL route in the CSPN chamber for 30 min, and control chicks received distilled water (DW) for 30 min. Broiler chicks (CpG-ODN—240 chicks/experiment and DW—40 chicks/experiment) were randomly sampled from all locations of the CSPN after nebulization and challenged with a lethal dose of E. coli to examine the CpG-ODN nebulization induced protection. We found a significant level (P < 0.05) of protection in broiler chicks against E. coli challenge, suggesting that the newly built CSPN successfully delivered CpG-ODN via the IPL route. We found that when the CSPN was maintained at humidex 28°C or below and relative humidity (RH) between 40 and 60%, neonatal birds were significantly (P < 0.05) protected against E. coli septicemia after IPL delivery of CpG-ODN. By contrast, protection in chicks was adversely affected when the CSPN was maintained at the humidex of 29°C or higher and RH of 70%. Overall, the present study successfully built a CSPN for CpG-ODN delivery in chicks at the hatchery and revealed that the temperature, humidity, and humidex were critical parameters in CSPN for efficient delivery of CpG-ODN.

English

English

Ceftiofur-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg of poultry origin - a risk profile using the Codex framework.

Codex published the 'Guidelines for Risk Analysis of Foodborne Antimicrobial Resistance' to standardise the approach for evaluating risk posed by foodborne antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. One of the first steps in the guidelines is to compile a risk profile, which provides the current state of knowledge regarding a food safety issue, describes risk management options and recommends next steps. In Canada, ceftiofur/ceftriaxone-resistant Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Heidelberg from poultry was identified as an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) food safety issue. The first objective of this article was to contextualise this food safety issue, using the risk profile format of the Codex Guidelines. A second objective was to evaluate the applicability of the Codex Guidelines. This risk profile indicated that ceftiofur/ceftriaxone-resistant S. Heidelberg (CSH) was commonly isolated from poultry and was associated with severe disease in humans. Ceftiofur use in poultry hatcheries temporally mirrored the prevalence of CSH from poultry meat at retail and from people with salmonellosis. The evidence was sufficient to indicate the need for risk management options, such as restricting the use of ceftiofur in poultry. The Codex Guidelines provided a useful approach to summarise data for decision-makers to evaluate an AMR food safety issue.

Poultry hatcheries as potential reservoirs for antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli: A risk to public health and food safety

Hatcheries have the power to spread antimicrobial resistant (AMR) pathogens through the poultry value chain because of their central position in the poultry production chain. Currently, no information is available about the presence of AMR Escherichia coli strains and the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) they harbor within hatchezries. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible involvement of hatcheries in harboring hemolytic AMR E. coli. Serotyping of the 65 isolated hemolytic E. coli revealed 15 serotypes with the ability to produce moderate biofilms, and shared susceptibility to cephradine and fosfomycin and resistance to spectinomycin. The most common β-lactam resistance gene was blaTEM, followed by blaOXA-1, blaMOX-like,blaCIT-like,blaSHV and blaFOX. Hierarchical clustering of E. coli isolates based on their phenotypic and genotypic profiles revealed separation of the majority of isolates from hatchlings and the hatchery environments, suggesting that hatchling and environmental isolates may have different origins. The high frequency of β-lactam resistance genes in AMR E. coli from chick hatchlings indicates that hatcheries may be a reservoir of AMR E. coli and can be a major contributor to the increased environmental burden of ARGs posing an eminent threat to poultry and human health.

Value Chain of Poultry Hatcheries in Bangladesh : A Comparative Study of SMES versus Large Players by Porter's Value Chain Model

Value Chain of Poultry Hatcheries in Bangladesh : A Comparative Study of SMES versus Large Players by Porter's Value Chain Model

Increased Incidence of Enterococcal Infection in Nonviable Broiler Chicken Embryos in Western Canadian Hatcheries as Detected by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

The emergence of enterococcal infections in neonatal broiler chickens in the poultry industry has become common in many countries, including Canada. The objective of this study was to examine the bacterial infections in nonviable broiler chicken embryos in three western Canadian poultry hatcheries using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The pattern of embryo mortality that occurred during incubation and the breakout analysis results were similar in all three hatcheries. The majority of embryo mortality occurred during the late stage of incubation (35.08%), followed by the early stage of incubation (15.35%). The breakout analysis showed that 65.82% of swabs had at least one type of bacterial growth while 34.17% of swabs were negative for bacterial isolation. Of those 65.82% swabs with bacterial growth, 34.3% of swabs yielded a mixed bacterial population while 31.52% yielded one type of bacterial growth. The frequency of bacterial isolation from hatch debris (60%-75%) increased with the age of broiler breeders. MALDI-TOF MS was able to provide genus-level identification of 83.13% of isolates among all bacterial types isolated. MALDI-TOF MS identified Enterococcus and Escherichia coli isolates with 97.18% and 100% accuracy at species level, respectively, whereas Staphylococcus species were identified with 62.59% accuracy. The congruence between MALDI-TOF MS identification and 16S rRNA or cpn60 universal gene target sequencing was 100% or 90%, respectively. Of all bacteria isolated, Enterococcus species (29.71%) were the most prevalent, followed by E. coli (19.46%). About 56% of E. coli-infected samples were coinfected with Enterococcus species. Among all Enterococcus species isolated, Enterococcus faecalis (79.58%) was the most prevalent, followed by Enterococcus faecium (8.1%). Overall, our study showed that Enterococcus-associated embryo mortality was predominant in all three hatcheries investigated and suggests that MALDI-TOF MS technology can be applied to identify bacteria such as Enterococcus species isolated from poultry.

Assessment of the effect of selected substances used for disinfection of hatching eggs on hatching results in chickens

The aim of the study was to investigate whether egg disinfectants have a toxic effect on the tissues of the developing chicken embryo. The basic active ingredients of the disinfectants tested were quaternary ammonium compounds (Amino-Steril); stabilized peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (Oxydion); glutaraldehyde, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, quaternary ammonium compounds and benzyl-C12-C16-alkyldimethyl (Viron FF); and stabilized hydrogen peroxide (Hydro-Clean). The tests were performed on hatching eggs from Ross 308 parent stock. The potential adverse effects of aqueous solutions of the disinfectants were tested in vitro using the Hen’s Egg Test – Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM). The results were confirmed in in vivo tests by analysing the hatchability of disinfected eggs. In the in vitro tests, aqueous solutions of the disinfectants with concentrations of 1%, 0.5%, 0.25% and 0.125% were spotted onto previously prepared chorioallantoic membranes of live eight-day-old chicken embryos (n = 8 embryos/disinfectant/concentration). The toxicity of the substances was assessed on the basis of the occurrence of hyperaemia, haemorrhage, and coagulation of the blood vessels of the membrane after 0.5, 2 and 5 minutes, using the 21-point Luepke scale. The in vivo testing consisted of two experiments conducted under production conditions, using eggs from flocks in the peak (37th week of life) and the final (54th week) laying periods. The eggs were sprayed with a 1% aqueous solution of disinfectant (400 eggs/disinfectant/experiment) about 2 hours before incubation. Hatching results, the stage of embryonic development at the time of death and any cases of infection were evaluated. The HET-CAM tests showed that the 1% solutions of the disinfectants induced strong (Hydro-Clean), moderate (Oxydion and Amino-Steril) and weak (Viron FF) reactions, while the 0.125% concentration produced a weak reaction or none. Analysis of hatching results showed that they were not affected by the disinfectants. However, in the case of laying hens in their final production period, spraying with aqueous solutions of each agent reduced losses due to early embryo mortality. In conclusion, the disinfectants tested can be safely used in poultry hatcheries

Action of Antimicrobial Copper on Bacteria and Fungi Isolated from Commercial Poultry Hatcheries

ABSTRACT Since 2008, when the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered copper and its alloys as an antimicrobial agent for contact surfaces, research has demonstrated their antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial copper against bacteria and fungi isolated from commercial poultry hatcheries in order to develop a microbiological control alternative in these environments. Samples were collected from the surfaces of hatcher baskets from two hatcheries. Mesophilic microorganisms and fungi/yeasts were isolated and standardized in concentration of 105 cells/mL. Four copper plates and four stainless steel plates were completely immersed for one minute in bacteria and fungi/yeasts solutions and left to dry for a day at room temperature. Subsequently, samples were collected from the metal plates with the aid of sterile swab and delimiter. These samples were planted onto Plate Count Agar (for mesophilic culture) and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (for fungi and yeast culture) and incubated at 36°C for 48 hours and at 25°C for 5-7 days, respectively. After incubation, the colonies recovered from the plates were counted according to IN 62 of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. Almost all contamination was eliminated from the surface of copper plates in a single day, while the stainless steel plates proved to be innocuous to the screened microorganisms. Copper, as a contact surface, proved to have important antimicrobial action on bacteria, fungi and yeasts common to hatcheries.

DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF AN ELECTRIC POWERED EGG INCUBATOR

Poultry production is a lucrative business in Nigeria but inadequate hatchery machines limit the expansion and make poultry products for instance day old chicks more expensive. At the moment, few commercially owned poultry hatcheries in Nigeria are located distance far away in the western and Eastern parts of the country. Majority of these hatcheries have little or no access to the national grid system but operate at about 60 per cent below the installation capacity. Generally, environmental pollution, unreliability and lack of access to grid power supply and low performance efficiency characterize the condition of the poultry hatchery business powered by conventional energy supply in Nigeria. These hamper and adversely affect the establishment of medium to large scale poultry production outfits in the rural areas of the country. But with the advent of electric powered egg incubator technology in poultry production, poultry farmers in Nigeria are likely to incubate and hatch poultry eggs and breed day-old chicks under a sustained power supply in a clean environment. Therefore, this study was aimed at the design, developed and tested in order to provide a favourable environment for eggs hatching. The developed machine was tested to assess its performance. The results from the test showed that out of the total 25 eggs, 5 eggs hatched after operating the machine. This gives 33% hatchability. The results showed that with further improvements, the developed machine can adequately be adopted at the household level instead of rearing chickens for the sole purpose of incubating eggs.