Poultry Studies
Effect of Egg Shape Index on Hatching Results of Australorp Eggs
2 Ondokuz Mayis University Agricultural Faculty, Animal Science, Atakum/Samsun, Turkey - This study was conducted to determine the effects of egg shape index on hatching results and chick quality. Australorp eggs (n=1,484) were used in the study. Eggs were divided into three groups as normal shape (Shape index between 72-76), pointed (shape index <72) and round (shape index >76). Mean egg weights were similar in all groups. Egg weight loss during incubation, fertility, hatchability of fertile and set eggs and chick quality were determined after 21 days of incubation. Pointed eggs achieved the highest values in fertility, hatchability of fertile and set eggs. Hatchability of fertile eggs was significantly higher in pointed (91.52%) and normal shape eggs (90.93%) than the round eggs (82.04%). Hatchability of set eggs which is a result of fertility and hatchability of fertile eggs was similarly significantly higher in pointed (85.68%) and normal shape (81.20%) eggs than round eggs (69.33%). Chick quality was determined by using Pasgar score and the differences between the chicks hatched from eggs with different shape index were found insignificant. Keywords : Egg shape index Australorp chicken Incubation Hatchability Chick quality
