REVIEWER IN POULTRY  Intensified extension and veterinary million birds during the period.

This
 Poultry egg and meat are important services was followed by CALABARZON and
sources of high-quality proteins,  Provision for marketing information Northern Mindanao with
minerals and vitamins to balance the and better easy term credits (other corresponding inventories of 25.49
human diet. Specially, developed things na makakatulong sa farmers to million birds and 21.99 million birds.
breeds of egg type chickens are now cope up) These three regions accounted for
available with traits of quick growth  Tax incentives for imported inputs 43.4 percent of the total chicken
and high feed conversion efficiency. (feed ingredients and veterinary inventory in the country.
Depending on the farm size, layer (for products) in order to be effectively  Western Visayas had the highest
eggs) farming can be the main source reduce the price of products inventory of native/improved chicken
of family income or can provide (imported products are most with 13.52 million birds. Broiler
income and gainful employment to marketed than local products) chicken inventory was highest in
farmers throughout the year. Poultry  Additional funds for more relevant Central Luzon with 17.55 million
manure has high fertilizer value and researches birds, while CALABARZON (SAN
can be used for increasing yield of all JOSE, BATANGAS – Layer) shared
crops. (kung hindi gumagamit ng CHICKEN SITUATION REPORT the highest inventory of layer chicken
antibiotics, ang mga manure ay (JANUARY TO MARCH 2022) with 15.35 million birds.
magagamit din sa organic agriculture)  The January to March 2022 total  From January to March 2022, the
PROBLEMS OF POULTRY INDUSTRY chicken production was registered at average farmgate price of broiler
 Insufficient and unstable supply of 455.04 thousand metric tons, chicken in commercial farms was
feed grains and other important liveweight. This indicates an increase quoted at PhP 105.70 per kilogram,
ingredients for poultry rations (raw of 13.0 percent from the previous liveweight. This was -5.6 percent
materials are usually imported, year’s same period output of 402.77 lower than the previous year’s same
quarter 3 syndrome – during quarter 3 thousand metric tons, liveweight. period average price of PhP 111.95
hindi ganon kaganda ang quality ng  Central Luzon was the top producer per kilogram, liveweight.
feeds since hindi maganda ang of chicken during the quarter with  The highest farmgate price was
quality ng raw materials. Since the 167.63 thousand metric tons, recorded in January at PhP 109.23
weather condition is hindi ganon liveweight or 36.8 percent of the per kilogram, liveweight, while the
kaganda, mostly maulan kaya d country’s total chicken output. (Nung lowest was quoted in February at PhP
nakakatuyo ng mga raw materials. It nagkaroon ng outbreak, Central 99.63 per kilogram, liveweight.
refers to the three-month period from Luzon den ang most affected since (Months during the highest outbreak
July to September when dikit-dikit din ang mga poultry farms) of the bird flu, that is why, farmgate
environmental changes adversely  Completing the top five (5) major prices are decreasing)
affect the economic performance of producing regions and their
the poultry industry, especially corresponding percent shares to total CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS
broilers) production were the following: a.  Volume of production refers to the
 Presence of many diseases CALABARZON, 16.9 percent; b. number of tended/raised chicken
 Frequent climatic disturbances Northern Mindanao, 9.6 percent; c. disposed for dressing including those
 Lack of finances (hindi supported ang Western Visayas, 6.4 percent; and d. which were shipped out for dressing.
mga farmers ng government, imports Ilocos Region and This is expressed in metric tons,
product vs local products) SOCCSKSARGEN, 5.0 percent. liveweight.
 Environmental issues These regions accounted for 79.7  Inventory refers to the actual number
 Smuggling (imported meat products percent of the country’s total chicken of chicken present in the farm as of a
are possibly the source of the bird flu) production. specific reference date. The reference
BENEFITS / ADVANTAGES  As of 31 March 2022, the total date for 2020 to 2021 data was
 Requires only a short period of time chicken inventory was estimated at changed to 31 March instead of 01
(broilers – a month; breeder birds – 5 187.66 million birds. This was 2.4 April to be consistent with the
to 6 weeks; layers – as long as good percent higher compared with the reference quarter.
pa ang shell quality) previous year’s same period inventory  Farmgate price refers to the price
 Provides employment of 183.27 million birds. Inventory of received by raisers for their produce
 Provides a continuous source of food broiler chicken and layer chicken at the location of farm. Thus,
(egg and poultry meat) grew by 10.7 percent and 0.5 percent, marketing costs, such as transport
 Farm by-products may be utilized as respectively. On the other hand, and other marketing cost (if any)
poultry feeds native/improved chicken population incurred in selling the produce, are
 Poultry manure and other waste declined by -2.3 percent. Of the total not included in the farmgate prices.
products can be used as fertilizers chicken population, native/improved The 2020 to 2021 farmgate prices
PROGRAMS TO BE IMPLEMENTED FOR chicken accounted for 43.0 percent, included in this special release were
THE INDUSTRY TO SUCCEED followed by broiler chicken with 33.7 sourced from the Price Statistics
percent share and layer chicken with Division (PSD), while the 2022
 Intensive Feed Grain Production
23.3 percent share. farmgate prices were based on the
(pwedeng gawin alternatives or
 Central Luzon reported the highest surveys of Livestock and Poultry
interventions)
total chicken population of 33.92 Statistics Division (LPSD).
 Proper housing is necessary not only to
provide comfort to chickens but also for the
POULTRY HOUSING AND EQUIPMENT convenience and ease of work for the farm
 Selection of Farm Site - In personnel. Some of the benefits of proper
determining the farm location of a housing are the following:
poultry farm, it is important to  Protection against inclement weather STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS
consider the importance and features The climate in the tropics is characterized  ROOF - Roofing material should be
of a good location. Some of the by a more or less uniformly warm made of corrugated G.I. sheets and
considerations would be: temperature with wet and dry seasons. An other durable roofing materials. At
 Far from residential areas- To prevent appropriate shelter is deemed necessary least one-meter roof overhang shall
any health concerns, possible to prevent them from being directly be provided to ensure shade and to
complaints, and the farm should be exposed to harsh environment conditions. protect the birds from rain. Roof
located ideally at least 1KM away During the rainy seasons, heavy rainfall structure shall be designed to carry
from the next poultry and residential and flooding occur which can cause undue additional dead loads such as
areas. Zoning provision in the area stress to the chickens. When strong suspended feeders. Roof should be
should be properly considered to typhoon occur, high morbidity and mortality equipped with gutters so that
avoid problems related to air, noise rates of the chickens are incurred. rainwater can be drained away
and water pollution and other human  Control of temperature, humidity and separately.
health related concerns. ventilation  CEILING (optional) Ceiling height
 Good Drainage & flood free location- The ambient temperature and humidity shall be at least 2.4m high.
the poultry farm must have a good during the warm months may go beyond  WALLS - The walls should be made
drainage system and must be free tolerable levels which can affect the of suitable materials such as chicken
from flooding as well. Water used performance of the chickens. To address wire or bamboo slats. There should
during cleaning of equipment and this weather problem in the poultry be provision to protect young chicks
housing facilities, etc. must be housing, many commercial farms install and older birds during periods of cold
properly drained. Any stagnant water electric fans and blowers to better control weather and extreme winds.
is a breeding ground for pests such temperature and humidity and facilitate  DOOR - Entrance doors shall be at
as mosquitoes that can also be better air movement. For a more controlled least 900 mm wide by 2 m high and
harmful not only to the chickens but environment especially if the number of shall be made to swing inward. It shall
also to humans. If cases of flat sites, heads is quite big, tunnel ventilation is be covered with 25 mm mesh wire
it should be elevated by hauling used. netting. Doors between pens shall be
gravel and soil to let the water run off  Protection against Predators hung in pairs and be made to swing in
the plane. Common predators of poultry are snakes, both directions so that feed and litter
 Good Access to Utilities- the location dogs, cats, rats and wild birds. Providing a carriers can be pushed through from
should have an easy access to a good housing for the chickens prevent either direction.
reliable water and electricity sources. such predators on coming inside the  FLOORS - SLOTTED FLOOR the
 Good Access to Road and Market- a facilities and can minimize losses due to width of the slat shall be 25 mm - 50
good access to a road for delivery of these predators. mm and the space in between slats
inputs needed in the daily operation  Effective Flock Health Program shall be 25 mm – 38 mm. On top of
and transport of products to the Disease control and prevention in the the slats, plastic net or fish net with
market. tropics is more difficult than in the 25 mm holes shall be used. If welded
 No Security problems- location should temperate regions. The heavy rainfall wire is used. It should have 625 mm2
be within the zone where peace and during the rainy season and the high mesh. The wire shall be supported
order are maintained. humidity during the dry season cause every 300 mm. Slats or wire floors
 Adequate Provision for expansion- wetness that makes it difficult to make the shall be constructed in sections so
provision for expansion should also surroundings clean and sanitary. that they may be removed when it is
be considered. If additional buildings Vaccination and medication against necessary to clean the droppings
and other housing provisions will be diseases can best be done to chickens from under them, or when the house
constructed later, unnecessary that are provided with the appropriate is cleaned. The floor shall be elevated
expenses in remodeling and housing. at least 900 mm from the ground and
dismantling of existing facilities  Space requirement the posts should have a diameter of
should be minimized. Adequate floor space shall be provided to at least 200 mm.
 The building shall be constructed in the broilers. Table 1 shows the minimum  LITTER-TYPE FLOOR - Litter
an east-west orientation and the floor space requirement for broilers. Table material shall be at least 50 mm - 100
structure for marketable animals shall 1 – Floor space requirements for broiler mm deep over the cemented floor.
be located near the service road. Floor space Stages 4 weeks and below Around the cemented floor, there
 The site shall be located where the m2/100 birds 6.25 Above 4 weeks old should be solid wall with a height of
prevailing winds will not carry odors to 12.50. 600 mm to retain the litter. The litter
the farmhouse. material shall be:
-light in weight, have a medium particle
BENEFITS OF HOUSING size, highly absorbent, dry rapidly, soft and
compressible, low thermal conductivity,  Feeders - The recommended feeder shall always be available for use
inexpensive length for broilers is shown in Table 3. during the night or darkened periods
 Floor support shall be designed to 8.4.1.2 Each feeding trough should of the day. All electrical design and
carry concentrated loads such as the have a guard or lip about 10 mm - 20 installation shall conform to Philippine
maximum total weight of the birds. mm to prevent the feed from being Electrical Code
 Functional requirements scratched out or beaked out onto the  Ventilation - Natural ventilation -
 Housing sizes - Width of the pen shall floor. It should be provided with wire Outlets should be either ridge or
be about 10 m - 12 m. The length of bars or grills to prevent scratching chimney opening on the downwind
the house shall depend on the terrain and billing (Figure 1). side of the building. It should be
of the land and on the length of the preferably located at the highest point
automatic feeding equipment. in a building. Inlets should be through
 Brooding area - The area shall be vent doors, curtains or other large
surrounded with cardboard, metal openings along the long sides of the
sheeting or any hard board with a building. If necessary, automatic
minimum height of 450 0m to protect controls should be provided to
the chicken from draught.  Round feeders should be provided maintain the indoor temperature and
 Artificial light - During the first 48 with adjustable slots to control feed provide air exchange as weather
hours, chicks shall receive a total of flow (Figure 2). Edges of feeder pan changes hourly and seasonally.
23 hours of light at 35 watt/m2 of should be rolled for safety. Natural ventilation system controllers
illumination. This amount should be should be available to regulate air
supplied by approximately 3.5 watts exchange by adjusting inlet and outlet
of light bulb for each 0.37 m2 of floor opening sizes. Various devices
space when the bulb is approximately should be used to adjust the opening
2.4 m above the floor and under a size: pneumatic systems; either
good clean reflector. After the first 48 manual or motorized cable and winch
 As the flock grows, feeders shall be
hours, the intensity of light shall be systems; or motorized mechanical
raised to maintain the feed level at
reduced. At floor level it should be arms.
the same height as the back of the
about 10 watt/m2. Provide chickens. Table 3 – Feeder length  Mechanical ventilation (if necessary).
approximately 1 watt of bulb, at 2.4 m requirement. Fans should be installed on the side
above the floor, and under a good opposite to the prevailing winds.
and clean reflector for every 0.40 m2
of floor space. The height of hover HATCHING EGGS AND INCUBATION
type brooder shall be adjustable.  Hatching eggs- Breeder Flock -
Hovers shall be maintained at a Healthy chicks come from good
minimum clearance of 120 mm above breeders. Breeder nutrition, uniformity
the back of the birds. Proper and the vaccination program are
 Waterer - For every 100 chicks, two critical.
temperature inside the brooding area
fount-type chick waterers shall be
shall be maintained to make the  Breeder Flock Health, Age and
provided for the first 2 weeks.
chicks feel comfortable. The range of Nutrition - A healthy breeder flock,
Waterers shall be placed outside the
temperature ideal at various ages of females with a good rate of lay mated
edge of the hover. After two days the
broiler chicks is shown in Table 2. to vigorous males, will usually
founts shall be placed on stands
produce highly fertile eggs that hatch
about 25 mm high. Each waterer shall
well under good incubation practices.
hold approximately 3.6 liters of water.
Hatching eggs from new breeder
flocks (just starting to lay) do not
hatch as well as eggs from those that
 Thermometers shall be placed in have been laying for three to four
strategic locations inside the poultry months. Hatchability of eggs from old
house in order to monitor the breeders nearing the end of their
temperature. Temperature in the laying period also declines. A
 To facilitate cleaning, the shape and
poultry house shall not be permitted hatching ration should be fed to
size of the waterers should be semi- breeders for about three weeks prior
to become higher than the outside circular and fairly wide and supported
temperature during summertime. to saving eggs for incubation. The
by an adjustable bracket to permit extra vitamins and minerals that it
Temperature should be lowered by easier adjustment. It may have a
providing additional water troughs, contains, as opposed to a laying
removable stopper at the drainage ration, are essential for good
roof sprinklers, foggers and fans. end to allow easier cleaning.
 Aisles and Walkways - Aisles and hatchability. Sometimes, poor
Waterers should be spaced uniformly hatching results occur when a lower
walkways between doors walls shall throughout the house. No bird shall
be at least 1 m wide. priced laying ration is used. The
have to go over 3 m to drink water. nutritional requirement of the breeder
 Lighting - Artificial lighting with an hen must be adequate for optimum
EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES intensity of 200 lux (refer to Annex B) hatching and good chick quality.
 Clean Eggs Are Important 80% in the egg holding room. Higher Chicken – 21 days
Breeder house sanitation, nest box humidity encourages mold growth. Prior to
sanitation and hatching egg care are placing eggs in the incubator, they may be Turkey – 28 days
important to the production of healthy removed from the egg storage room and Japanese quail – 17 days
chicks. Nest material must be clean and warmed to room temperature for
dry and free of contamination. It should be approximately 6 hours. Guinea fowl – 26 days
cleaned daily (remove dirty material and  The Incubator Room Pheasant, Partridge – 24 days
droppings) and replenished or changed In the selection of a successful incubator
Duck – 28 days
weekly. Para-formaldehyde pellets (20-25 room, factors such as heating, humidity,
g per nest, per month) will improve nest- ventilation, and sanitation should all be Muscovy duck – 35 days
box sanitation. Breeder farms require a considered. Optimum results can be Goose – 28-32 days
clean area where eggs can be cleaned, expected if the temperature can be
selected for quality and placed large end maintained at between 24 and 27BC, with Egyptian goose – 35 days
up on hatching trays. The temperature of uniform humidity below the level that is  The Principal Factors in Incubation
this room should not be less than 21BC. If required in the incubator. Tropical climates The five main factors affecting incubation,
eggs are stored on the farm, temperature (heat & humidity) make it difficult to listed in order of importance are:
and humidity must be controlled. maintain good incubator room conditions. temperature, humidity, ventilation, position,
 Selection and Care of Hatching Eggs Good ventilation and a constant supply of and turning of the eggs. Some factors to
Set only clean eggs. If eggs are soiled, it is oxygen to remove excess carbon dioxide consider before purchasing an incubator:
preferable to clean them with sandpaper & from the environment surrounding the  Any incubator will produce better
egg brush. If hatching eggs are washed, incubating eggs is necessary for the results when operating at capacity.
the temperature of the water must be 43 to developing embryo. High altitude reduces Egg capacity is a factor;
44BC. The eggs should be spray washed available oxygen.An incubator should not  How long the incubator will last and
with detergent, sanitized and fan-dried. be placed near an outside wall or window cost of all replacement parts;
Improperly washed eggs may rot or in cold climates or in direct sunlight.  Service and availability of parts;
explode during the incubation period. Dirty  INCUBATORS  Accuracy of controls, to keep
eggs can be reduced if the eggs are Are the most important equipment in the temperature and humidity fluctuations
gathered four or five times daily from nests hatchery process. Many kinds of to a minimum;
supplied with fresh, clean nest material incubators are manufactured; however, the  The amount of labor involved in
and if the litter in the breeding pens is kept general principles of all modern machines operating the machine and carrying
dry so the hen’s feet are clean. Do not set for commercial hatchery production are the out a thorough sanitation program;
floor eggs. Collect eggs with clean hands same. Incubator setting capacity ranges  The guarantee.
onto clean flats. Select hatching eggs that from approximately 14,000 to 100,000  TEMPERATURE
are uniform in size (recommended eggs. During incubation, the hatching eggs Hatching eggs may be warmed to a
minimum 52g for meat-type), shape and are set vertically, with the large ends up in temperature of 25 to 30BC, prior to setting.
color, with good sound shells. Do not set trays or flats in a setter and turned The normal development of the embryo is
malformed, porous-shelled, doubled-yolk mechanically until about three days prior to dependent on the heat being held within a
eggs or eggs with cracks. Shells that have hatching (setting period). The eggs are very narrow range in the incubator. In
a mottled appearance upon candling are then transferred to a hatcher (hatching small still-air incubators, the temperature
not considered to have poor shell quality period) in a horizontal position and not of the upper surface of the egg is higher
and can usually be set with good hatching turned during the hatching process. Both than on the lower surface, while in large
results. setters and hatchers have forced-draft air incubators, the air movement maintains
Since smaller eggs hatch in less time than circulation, automatic temperature, the same temperature over the entire
large eggs it is recommended that eggs be humidity and cooling controls. For small surface. For this reason, a still-air
separated by size and that small eggs be backyard poultry operators, there are incubator must be operated at a higher
put in the incubator 8-18 hours after the small, still-air machines. Capacity of these temperature than a forced-draft incubator.
larger eggs are set. The hatching incubators varies from 12 to 200 eggs. The In small still-air incubators, a constant
percentage will be the highest if eggs are eggs are set in a horizontal position and temperature of 39BC is considered
held at a temperature of 16 to 17BC for not are usually turned manually. This type of satisfactory to produce good hatching
more than one week before setting. Higher incubator may be used for the entire results. The temperature may vary
temperatures initiate embryo growth. incubation period for any kind of eggs. The between 37.5 and 39.5BC without hurting
Storage temperature should be reduced to source of heat is a thermostatically the embryos as long as the temperature
13BC if eggs are being held for two weeks controlled heating element or light bulb. does not remain at either extreme. These
or longer. Eggs may sweat when moved to Humidity is supplied in most cases by readings should be taken with the bulb of
warm, humid areas. This allows bacteria to water in a pan below the eggs, and the thermometer level with the upper
penetrate the shell. Turning eggs during ventilation controlled by small air vents or surface of the eggs, but not in contact with
the holding period is not beneficial. It has holes. Most still-air machines have the egg shell. A standing thermometer will
been shown that eggs held for more than 2 transparent plastic domes through which give a more reliable reading than a
weeks hatched better when stored small the incubation process can be observed. hanging thermometer and the thermometer
end up (contrary to the accepted traditional INCUBATION TIME FOR SOME must be accurate. The temperature may
large end-up postion). Relative humidity COMMON AVIAN SPECIES rise one degree at hatching time without
should be maintained at approximately causing any reduction in hatch percentage.
In large incubators, the temperature, incubation will cause the embryo to adhere increase in relative humidity to keep shell
humidity, and speed of air movement are to the shell, causing death. Insufficient membranes moist during the hatching
very closely dependent on each other, and evaporation may cause death from lack of process.
since air speed varies in different oxygen because of a small air cell, since TABLE 1. PERCENT RELATIVE
incubators, it is impossible to state an just prior to pipping the shell, the embryo HUMIDITY AT DIFFERENT WET-BULB
exact operating temperature for all large pips into the air cell and starts to breath READINGS
machines, but generally it is around air. The best guides to the correct amount
Wet-bulb Relative Humidity (%) at
37.5BC for a setter and 37BC for a of humidity in an incubator is the weight
Reading Air Temperature of
hatcher. Follow the manufacturer’s loss and the size and enlargement of the
instructions closely with regard to air cell during incubation, or the position at (BC) 37.2BC % 37.8BC %
temperature and ensure that instructions which the chick pips the shell. The degree 32.2 70 68
are for the model in use. High of enlargement of the air cell should be 31.7 67 65
temperatures even for a very short period determined by candling several eggs and 31.1 65 63
of time during any part of the incubation estimating the average evaporation. The
period will cause more harm than low amount of moisture in an incubator may be 30.6 62 60
temperatures. referred to as “relative humidity”, which is a 30.0 59 57
percentage of the moisture in the air at any 29.4 56 54
Numerous Factors May Contribute To High given temperature. This can be measured 28.9 53 51
Or Low Incubator Temperatures. by a wet-bulb thermometer. The
relationship between dry-bulb air 28.3 51 48
 high or low room temperatures or
floor temperature under the incubator temperature, wet-bulb readings and 27.8 48 46
affect the operating temperature of relative humidity. A wet-bulb reading is 27.2 45 43
both large and small incubators. A based on air movement, and for this 26.7 43 41
large incubator placed near an reason, a wet-bulb thermometer cannot be
 Incorrect humidity may be due to a
outside wall may have one section used to determine the amount of humidity
number of factors, the more important
operating at a lower or higher in a still-air incubator. The relative humidity
of which are listed below:
temperature than the other. These for small incubators is usually stated as
- High environmental humidity in
problems and those listed below will 60%. Other inexpensive but less accurate
tropical countries.
result in one group of eggs hatching equipment is available to measure relative
- A wet-bulb thermometer reading
earlier or later than the others, humidity. A level water pan on the floor of
the incubator under the eggs during the incorrectly. Remove the wick to
increased embryo mortality or cause
entire incubation period will generally determine whether the thermometer
leg deformity in chicks & poults.
supply sufficient moisture to give good is reading the same as the dry-bulb
 floor temperature variation because of
hatching results, provided the moisture thermometer.
drains causing cold or heat under the
content of the air in the environment is - Dust and dirt on the wet-bulb wick.
incubator.
neither too high or too low. Percent egg Change wicks often and use only
 an incubator thermometer not reading
weight loss during the setting period can distilled water in the reservoir.
correctly.
act as a guide to the correct humidity. This - In small incubators with humidity
 the failure of automatic equipment
can be done by weighing some eggs at the supplied by water pan evaporation,
such as thermostats, cooling coils or
start of incubation and the same eggs ensure that there is always an
automatic dampers.
again on the 7th and 18th day, and adequate amount of water in the pan,
 improper air circulation leading in turn as the rate of evaporation is
to a rise in temperature in part of the calculating the loss that occurred (write the
weight on the shell with a pencil). Chicken dependent on the humidity in the
incubator, because of: a decrease in room. The lower the humidity in the
fan speed, usually caused by low eggs should lose approximately 4.5% and
11.5% during the first 7 and the first 18 room, the higher the evaporation and
voltage or a slipping fan belt; incorrect vice versa. During hatching fluff
spacing of filled egg trays in a days of incubation respectively. Eggshells
thicker than 0.34 mm are too thick and settles on the surface of the water
partially filled incubator. producing a film that causes a
 overloading an incubator for any one humidity should be reduced to increase
moisture loss. Below 0.31 mm is too thin. reduction in the rate of water
setting of eggs. evaporation necessary for optimum
Normal would be 0.33 to 0.34 mm at the
 HUMIDITY hatchability. Clean the water pan daily
beginning of production. Shell thickness
During the incubation or setting period, and replace with clean, lukewarm
decreases with age of breeder hen with
eggs should lose 11 to 12% of their weight water.
0.31 mm normal at 60 weeks. In large
(another 3 to 4% in the hatcher, after day - Ventilating an incubator to control
incubators, the temperature, air speed and
18), due mainly to a loss of moisture. The temperature will lower humidity in a
humidity are intimately related, and the
amount of moisture (humidity) in the dry environment unless automatic
manufacturer’s instructions should be
incubator controls the rate of evaporation humidifiers are being used in the
followed closely. Better hatching results
from the egg. The evaporation rate is also incubator room.
may be obtained if the temperature is
related to temperature, air speed, shell - If airflow in incubators is not uniform
lowered and the humidity raised at
thickness, and size of eggs; the smaller humidity may be different from bottom
hatching time (only if separate hatching
the eggs, the greater percentage of to top or side to side.
compartments are available). Lowering the
moisture loss. Too great a moisture loss
air temperature will provide an additional  VENTILATION
from the egg in the early stage of
The free movement of oxygen, carbon the exceses carbon dioxide. If  SANITATION
dioxide and water vapor through the pores excessive panting occurs, increase Eggs used for hatching should be clean
of the shell is important, since the the airflow in the hatcher. and stored in clean containers in a sanitary
developing embryo must be able to take in  Position And Turning of Eggs egg holding room. Eggs contaminated with
a constant supply of oxygen and release In small incubators, the eggs are bacterial organisms usually do not hatch
carbon dioxide and moisture. Oxygen maintained in a horizontal position during well and this poor quality is reflected in the
content of 21% (present in air at sea level) the entire incubation period. In large chicks that do hatch.
and a carbon dioxide content not incubators eggs should be placed in a  EGG HANDLING
exceeding 0.5% in the air are considered vertical position, large end up, during the Rough handling of hatching eggs before
optimum for good hatching results. Room hatching period. In small incubators, the they are set will increase the number of
temperature, room humidity, the number of eggs are moved when turned, while in dead embryos, with mortality occurring
eggs set, the period of incubation, and the large incubators they remain in a between the 4th and 13th day of
air movement in the incubator all influence stationary position on the incubator tray incubation. Also, jarring eggs during
ventilation requirements. Ventilation and the egg tray is turned through an incubation may result in the rupture of the
problems are not the same in small angle of not less than 90 in opposite egg shell membrane and thereby lower
incubators as they are in large incubators, directions with each turning. The objective hatchability. Large fluctuations in
where a large number of eggs are set in a is the same in both types of incubators; temperature and humidity during storage
very small space. During the early part of namely, to prevent the embryo from will have a major adverse effect on
the incubation period, ventilation in small sticking to the shell membranes. Turning hatchability. Refer to “Selection and Care
incubators may be held to a minimum. also ensures a complete contact of the of Hatching Eggs” for proper egg storage
However, during the hatching period embryonic membranes with the food procedure.
additional ventilation must be supplied to material in the egg, especially in early  TOXICITY
reduce the carbon dioxide in the incubator. stages of incubation. In small incubators, If the interior of an incubator is painted or
It is advisable not to increased ventilation the eggs should be turned at least four varnished, or if the trays are varnished, the
until half of the hatch has been completed, times daily. It is advisable to leave some percentage of hatch will be reduced,
since ventilating too soon will reduce the space on the tray to allow for moving the possibly by as much as 25%. This adverse
humidity. In large incubators, the eggs forward a 1/2 turn on one turn and effect disappears in about 30 days,
manufacturer’s directions should be back a 1/2 turn on the next, thus making suggesting that the ill effect is eliminated
followed, however, ventilating sure that all the eggs move. Eggs should by oxidation of the paint. This problem may
recommendations may not be applicable to not be turned in a complete circle, as this be overcome without any reduction in
every locality and every room condition. If has a tendency to rupture the allantois sac percentage of hatch if the incubator is
ventilation is used to control either with resultant embryonic mortality. Wash fumigated with formaldehyde gas at the
temperature or humidity in the incubator, hands carefully before turning eggs to concentration recommended for proper
the control of the same factors in the avoid bacterial contamination of the shell. hatchery fumigation. The gassing should
incubator room are important. At a room In large incubators, the trays are usually be done as soon as the paint is dry and
temperature below 18 C, ventilating an turned hourly with all the egg trays moving with the incubator operating at
incubator will reduce both temperature and at one time. For good hatchability, eggs recommended temperature and humidity
humidity. In a room with high humidity, should be turned to a position at least 45 for incubating eggs.
(tropical countries) the primary concern is from vertical, then reversed in the opposite  AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT
to maintain the correct temperature. direction to a similar position. In the most The addition of automatic equipment has
 The main ventilation consideration recent models of incubators, eggs are eliminated many of the problems with
may be summarized as follows: turned through an arc of 150 and in a few incubators, however, such hazards may
- Ventilation is more important in large models they are turned as far as 180. The occur when automatic devices fail. During
incubators than in small incubators. introduction of these newer methods of hatching all automatic devices, such as
- The amount of ventilation required turning eggs has been an important aspect cooling coils, automatic dampers, tray
may be altered by atmospheric in improving hatchability. Eggs should not turners, and alarm bells, etc., should be
conditions. be turned in either large or small checked at regular intervals. Electrical
- Ventilation is very important in any incubators during the hatching period. The failure may require that automatic
incubator at hatching time. Insufficient greatest benefit from turning eggs is during equipment be reset. After an incubator is
ventilation may result in embryo or the first week in incubation. purchased, it is important to know how
chick death. every part operates.
- Ventilation in excess of the OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING  EGG CANDLING
recommended amount may be INCUBATION Candling chicken eggs on the 7th and 18th
applied to reduce temperature or  EGG SELECTION day of incubation, may be recommended
humidity. Poor quality hatching eggs do not hatch as for small poultry producers. Egg candling
- The appearance of chicks panting in well as eggs of good quality. The term will detect infertiles and early dead germs.
a hatcher at normal temperature is an “quality” refers to the condition outside the Therefore, problems within the hatching
indication of a rise in the carbon shell, the condition of the shell itself and flock can be identified without waiting until
dioxide content of the hatcher air. that of the contents. Eggs with inferior the incubation period is completed.
Under such conditions chicks must characteristics, as discussed in “Selection  IMPROPER FUMIGATION
breathe faster to obtain the required and Care of Hatching Eggs,” should not be Closely follow instructions outlined in
amount of oxygen and to eliminate set. “Fumigation Procedure“. Excessive and
improper fumigation can result in high normal operating conditions.2. - Properly carried out, fumigation
mortality in developing embryos. Measure the inside volume of the should not affect hatchability.2.
 FUMIGATION OF INCUBATORS machine in cubic feet or cubic meters Fumigation will only kill bacteria that
The killing of bacterial organisms by (length x width x height). are present on the surface of
formaldehyde gas is based on the - Close the ventilators, but leave the hatchery refuse. Fumigation will not
concentrations of the gas, exposure time, fans on. kill bacteria inside unhatched or piped
temperature, and humidity of the incubator. - Weigh the required amount of eggs. It is important to dispose of
The chemicals potassium permanganate potassium permanganate into a wide hatchery refuse carefully to minimize
and formalin (which is 40% formaldehyde enamelware or earthenware vessel hatchery contamination.
gas) have proven to be the most effective large enough to accommodate the - The hatchery room must be separate
method of destroying bacterial organisms boiling and splattering action from the tray dumping room and from
in the hatchery. To accomplish the proper experienced when the formalin is the chick processing area. Air flow
release of the gas, one and one-half parts added. Place the vessel and the and traffic must be controlled to
(by volume) formalin is added to one part permanganate in the area to be prevent contamination of the chick
(by weight) of potassium permanganate. fumigated; then add the formalin. processing and holding areas.
This will release the formaldehyde as gas - Close the door immediately and leave - Efficient fumigation along with other
or fumigant. When the reaction is closed for 20 minutes. sanitary measures should control
complete, a dry, brown powder will be left. - After 20 minutes, open the ventilators. navel infection (omphalitis).
If the residue is wet, not enough - Open the doors of the machine for - Fumigation is not intended to replace
permanganate was used; if the residue is five minutes, leaving the fan on to a thorough cleaning program.
purple, too much permanganate was allow more of the formaldehyde gas  HATCHERY DESIGN
added. to escape, or neutralize it with a 25% Hatchery layout is important to a good
 CONCENTRATION solution of ammonium hydroxide sanitation program. Arrange the hatchery
The recommended concentration for equal to one-half the amount of so there is a one-way flow of material from
effective fumigation is 53 mL of formalin formalin used. The hydroxide should the point where the hatching eggs are
added to 36 g of potassium permanganate be thrown directly on the floor of the brought in to where the processed chicks
per cubic meter of space to be fumigated, machine and the doors closed. The go out. Hatcheries should be designed so
or 1 1/2 mL of formalin added to 1 g of formaldehyde gas will quickly be the flow of eggs, chicks and personnel
potassium permanganate per cubic foot of neutralized. does not spread contamination from one
space to be fumigated. Caution: Never add room to the next. Doors, including one-way
the permanganate to the formalin. Heat is  CONTINUOUS FUMIGATION OF doors, help stop cross contamination
generated when the two chemicals are HATCHER between rooms. Positive air pressure
combined, and care should be taken. The greatest increase in bacterial prevents contamination through an open
Formaldehyde gas is generated quickly. organisms occurs during the hatching door. Workers should change outer
Do not allow the fumes to get into the period. These can be reduced, but not clothing and wash hands before moving
eyes. Personnel should use a respirator or completely eliminated, by slow release of from one work station to another.
wear a mask to avoid unnecessary formalin in the hatcher during the last 48
exposure. Ventilate the incubator room to hours of the hatching period. For SUMMARY OF SOME IMPORTANT
remove fumes that escape from the continuous fumigation to be effective, FACTORS
incubator. hatching eggs should also be fumigated at  Feed breeder flock hatching ration
 TIME transfer time with the recommended that is well fortified with essential
It is not recommended to fumigate setters concentration. Place formalin in pan about nutrients.2. Use healthy breeding
with hatching eggs in them, but if such 25 mm in depth, allowing 58 cm2 of pan stock.
treatment becomes necessary, embryos for each cubic meter of hatcher space, or a  Provide good egg-holding facilities.
between 24 and 96 hours of age should pan about 1 in. deep, allowing 30 in2 of  Avoid holding eggs in storage for
not be exposed to the above concentration pan for approximately 1000 ft3 of hatcher more than one week.
of formaldehyde. Hatching compartments space. Do not use permanganate. The pan  Prewarm eggs for 6 to 8 hours at
should be fumigated after the eggs are should be placed in the open area of the incubator room temperature.
transferred from the setter to the hatcher, hatcher in direct line with the airflow. Place  Set clean, good quality eggs. Delay
again after the hatch has been taken off the pan of formalin in hatcher 48 hours setting small eggs (those more than
and before the refuse has been removed prior to hatch completion. To overcome 10% less than average) for 8 to 16
from the trays, and finally after the hatcher fluff deposited on the formalin, add more hours.
has been thoroughly cleaned. Do not formalin about 24 hours before hatch is  Maintain correct incubation
fumigate chicks with this concentration of complete to increase evaporation. If the temperature, humidity and ventilation.
formaldehyde gas. Small still-air incubators fan stops (mechanical failure etc.) and Make sure air intake does not draw
should be fumigated after the chicks have reduces the airflow, remove the pan of contaminated air into the incubator.
been removed and prior to discarding the formalin immediately. If hatchers are only  Turn hatching eggs frequently.
refuse from the tray and again after the partially full, continuous fumigation is not
incubator has been thoroughly cleaned.  Maintain incubator room temperature
recommended, as a reduction in airflow
 FUMIGATION PROCEDURE between 21 and 24BC with good
will create an excessive build up of
ventilation and relatively high
- Make sure the temperature and formalin in the hatcher.
humidity.
humidity of the incubators are at  EFFECTS OF FUMIGATION
 Fumigate regularly.
 Clean vaccinating and beak trimming
equipment. Newly hatched chicks
may pick up contamination and
infection in the hatchery from
vaccinating and beak trimming
equipment. This equipment requires a
very rigid sanitation schedule.
 Practice strict sanitation; cleanliness
is very important for successful
hatching operation. Make sure belts,
equipment and workers hands used
to move eggs or newly hatched
chicks are kept clean.