Effect of temperature on hatchability parameters of Cobb Broiler eggs

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of incubation temperature (34.2; 35.2; 36.4; 37.5°C) on percentage of water loss, percentage hatch of fertile eggs, and total embryonic mortality rate on Cobb 500 Broiler eggs. We found that the percent water loss increases as the incubator temperature increased. The highest percent hatchability was obtained from 36.4 and 37.5°C. As incubation temperature increased, the percent of embryonic mortality decreased. In summary, the study indicated that under Stillwater, OK altitude conditions 36.4 and 37.5°C are the ideal temperatures for successful hatching of fertile broiler eggs due to highest percent hatchability and lowest percent mortality rate in eggs incubated at 60% RH.