Field study on hatching traits of duck eggs under Egyptian environmental conditions
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of environmental factor such as month and season on the hatching features of ducks, and to determine the suitable months or season for hatching. For this purpose, the hatching records of different' duck breeds raised in El- Serw water fowl farm belonging to Turkey and Water Fowl Breeding Research Department, Animal Production Research Institute, from 2002 to 2012 were used. Duck breeding farm practiced artificial incubation for hatching eggs. Data from hatching records were analyzed using SAS statistical package program. Fertility and hatchability of both total set and fertile eggs were investigated.
The results revealed that hatchability traits for duck eggs were significantly affected due to varying the year month or season under Egyptian conditions. Fertility was significantly higher at months from January to Mayas compared to June to August months. It was significantly lowered by 9.70, 12.72 and 14.29 % in Summer as compared to Autumn, Winter and Spring season, respectively. Domyati, Pekin and Muscovy duck breeds recorded the highest value of fertility than other breeds. Hatchability of total set eggs 1recorded the highest value in March (65.21 %), whereas, the lowest value (34.96 %) was observed in August. Hatchability of total set eggs was significantly lowered by 14.45, 33.0 and 32.66 % for Summer as compared to Autumn, Winter and Spring season, respectively. Pekin, Domyati and Campbell had the highest hatchability of total set eggs followed by Muscovy then Sudani duck breeds. Hatchability of fertile eggs was higher in months from December, January, February, March and April as compared to other months, whereas, the lowest values were observed in August and September months. It was significantly lower in Summer by 6.95, 24.88 and 23.50 % as compared to Autumn, Winter and Spring seasons, respectively. Pekin and Campbell then Domyati duck breeds had the highest hatchability of fertile eggs followed by Muscovy then Sudani duck breeds.
It is concluded that hatching should not be performed in June, July and August months (or Summer season) when temperatures increase sharply, whereas, it is better for duck breeding that hatching could be performed from January to April (or Winter and Spring seasons) for different duck breeds under Egypt conditions.
Key Words: Fertility, hatchability, duck eggs, season.
Publication year 2013
Pages 849-863
Availability location معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى-شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى- الجيزة
Availability number
Organization Name
City الاسكندرية
serial title Egyptian Poultry Science Journal
ISSN 1110-5623
Author(s) from ARC
Agris Categories Animal physiology - Nutrition
AGROVOC
TERMS		 Ducks. Egg hatchability. Environmental factors. Fertility. Seasons.
Proposed Agrovoc duck eggs;month;
Publication Type Journal
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