Volume: 3, 2024
3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A028
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.A028
Published online: 24 April 2024
ICDSUPL, 3, A028 (2024)
Analysis of the effect of stocking density on hatching efficiency of greenleg partridge hens
Karolina Wengerska1*, Kamila Janicka1, Anastasiya Ramankevich1, Roman Kluger2, Kamil Drabik1
1 Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
2 Institute of Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Applied Mathematics, Silesian University of Technology, Kaszubska 23, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
* Corresponding author: karolina.wengerska@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Hatching eggs are the basis of poultry production regardless of its direction. Many factors can affect hatching success. One of the most important factors is the management of the reproductive flock. Reproductive flocks are maintained in a litter system with a density of 5,5-6,5 birds/m2. However, there is a lack of reports on the effect of stocking density modification on the reproductive parameters of hens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hatchability parameters of eggs obtained from greenlegged partridge hens kept under modified stocking conditions. The study material consisted of eggs from greenleg partridge hens maintained under standard (5,5 birds per 1 m2), increased (7,5 birds per 1 m2) and decreased (3,5 birds per 1 m2) stocking rates while maintaining the same sex ratio (1 ♂: 9 ♀). After 3 weeks of maintenance under modified stocking conditions, a total of 420 eggs were collected for incubation. The eggs were individually numbered according to their origin, weighed and their shape index determined. Before incubation, all eggs were sanitized using UVC radiation. They were then transferred to an incubation chamber, where they were incubated under standard temperature and humidity conditions for hens’ eggs. Eggs were subjected to candling on days 6 and 18 of incubation to eliminate unfertilized eggs and embryos that died at different stages of incubation. On day 18, eggs with live embryos were transferred to individual hatching baskets and placed in the hatching chamber until hatching. The obtained chicks were weighed and their egg weight proportion was determined. The chicks were subjected to qualitative analysis, taking into account their appearance (fluff, presence of membranes and shells) and activity. Finally, biological analysis of the hatchlings was also carried out, including % fertilization, hatchability from set eggs, embryo mortality during incubation and changes in egg weight during incubation.
Keywords: hatching eggs, poultry production, hatchability parameters
How to cite
K. Wengerska, K. Janicka, A. Ramankevich, R. Kluger, K. Drabik, 2024. Analysis of the effect of stocking density on hatching efficiency of greenleg partridge hens. In: 3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.A028