Effect of Storage Time On the Hatchability of Eggs of Two-Line Dual-Purpose Combination for Production of Male Chickens for Meat

Abstract The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the storage time on the hatching traits of eggs obtained from a two-line dual-purpose combination for production of male chickens that will be utilized for meat. The trial was carried out in the experimental poultry farm of the Institute of Animal Science-Kostinbrod, with a total of 150 Lohmann Brown Classic layers, at the age of 54 weeks. Hatching eggs were gathered for three weeks and were stored for 5, 10 and 15 days at 15-18°C ambient temperature prior incubation. The storage time had no effect on the fertility of the set eggs, however, it adversely affected the hatchability. Prolonged storage led to significant decline in the total hatchability (P=0.0027) and the hatchability of the fertile eggs (P<0.0001) which was lowest after 15 days of storage prior incubation. The viability of the chickens was influenced by the storage of the eggs prior incubation (P<0.0001), and decreased considerably when the chicks were hatched from eggs stored for 15 days.