HatcheryTips en

Hatchery
Tips
2020
CONTENTS
Page
TIP 1 - Did You Know That If Chicks Are Held Too Long At High Temperatures, It Can Affect Their Growth?......................... 3
TIP 2 - What Is Your Meconium Score?................................................................................................................................ 4
TIP 3 - Let Your Eggs Guide You........................................................................................................................................... 5
TIP 4 - When Did You Last Watch Your Eggs Turning?.......................................................................................................... 6
TIP 5 - Hot Eggs Damage Chick Quality............................................................................................................................... 7
TIP 6 - How Often Do You Check Eggs Coming In To Your Hatchery For Hairline Cracks?.................................................... 8
TIP 7 - Have You Got A Hatchery Maintenance Plan In Place?.............................................................................................. 9
TIP 8 - Managing Chick Holding Room Temperatures........................................................................................................... 10
TIP 9 - Do You Make Regular Checks For Transfer Damage?................................................................................................ 11
TIP 10 - Check Hatch Debris Regularly To Identify Egg Turning Problems............................................................................. 12
TIP 11 - Calibrating Electronic Humidity Sensors.................................................................................................................. 13
TIP 12 - Keep Setter Floors Dry............................................................................................................................................ 14
TIP 13 - Keeping Chicks Comfortable................................................................................................................................... 15
TIP 14 - Pre-Warming Eggs.................................................................................................................................................. 16
TIP 15 - Calibrate CO2 Sensors Regularly............................................................................................................................. 17
TIP 16 - Temperature Calibration Probes.............................................................................................................................. 18
TIP 17 - Assessing Alternative Hatching Egg Disinfectants.................................................................................................... 19
TIP 18 - Correct Positioning Of Hatcher Buggies.................................................................................................................. 20
TIP 19 - Zero Calibration Of Pressure Sensors...................................................................................................................... 21
TIP 20 - Balancing A Set In Single Stage Setters.................................................................................................................. 22
TIP 21 - Check Hatching Egg Quality with UV Light.............................................................................................................. 23
TIP 22 - What is the best temperature for storing eggs?....................................................................................................... 24
TIP 23 - Egg Yolk Mottling.................................................................................................................................................... 25
TIP 24 - Mantain the fans in your Setters and Hatchers........................................................................................................ 26
TIP 25 - Be Careful When you Change to Difffenet Fans in an Incubator............................................................................... 27
TIP 26 - Analyzing Egg Handling with a Thermal Imaging Camera........................................................................................ 28
TIP 27 - Are you Measuring and Calculating your Chick Yield Correctly?.............................................................................. 29
TIP 28 - If you are Heat Treating Stored Eggs to Improve Hatchability (SPIDES), how Long Should The Eggs be Kept Warm?.. 30
TIP 29 - Chick Weight Loss Post Pull - What is Normal?....................................................................................................... 31
TIP 30 - How to Calibrate and Use Temperature Readings taken with Tiny Tag Loggers....................................................... 32
TIP 31 - Use Water Loss Data to Assess Setter Function...................................................................................................... 34
TIP 32 - How to Calculate Water Loss Correctly................................................................................................................... 36
TIP 33 - Checking Fresh Eggs for Unwanted Embryo Development...................................................................................... 37
TIP 34 - Hitting the Chick Yield Target................................................................................................................................... 39
TIP 35 - Do we Supply Enough Air to our Incubators?.......................................................................................................... 40
TIP 36 - Chick Box Layout for Laminar Ventilated Chick Holding Rooms.............................................................................. 41
TIP 37 - Making the Most of your Hatchery Data. Using Pivot Tables to Boost Hatchery Management.................................. 42
TIP 38 - Measuring Vent Temperatures Accurately................................................................................................................ 44
TIP 39 - How to Optimise the Timing of In Ovo Vaccination?................................................................................................ 46
TIP 40 - Using your Mobile as a Powerful Tool in your Hatchery............................................................................................ 47
TIP 41 - Correct Use of Tinytag Loggers To Measure Eggshell Temperature......................................................................... 49
TIP 42 - Is your Smartphone Safe to Take into the Hatchery?............................................................................................... 51
Page 2 Hatchery Tips

CHICKS ARE HELD TOO LONG
DIDHIGH
AT YOU TEMPERATURES,
KNOW THAT IF IT
CHICKS
CAN AFFECT ARE HELD DID YOUTOO
THEIR LONG
GROWTH?
KNOW THAT
CHICKS ARE
IF
HELD TOO LONG
AT
TIP 1 HIGH TEMPERATURES,
Did You Know That If Chicks CAN Are AFFECT THEIR
Held Too
IT
AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, IT
GROWTH?
Long At High
CAN AFFECT THEIR
The newly hatched chick can not
Temperatures, It Can Affect
control its body temperature very
GROWTH?
Their Growth? The newly hatched chick can not
well. well.
Air temperature, humidity, and air

TheThe newlynewly
hatchedhatched
chick can not chick can
control its not
body speed interact and will all have
temperature very well.
AirAir temperature, humidity, andvery air an effect on the body tempera-
control
temperature, itshumidity,
body and temperature
airspeed interact and ture and the comfort of the young
Fig. 1. Chicks that are too hot.
willspeed interact andbodywill all have and the chick.
well.
all have an effect on the
comfort of the young chick.
temperature
It is easy to see if chicks are
It isan easy effect
to see ifon thearebody
chicks tempera-
uncomfortable from their uncomfortable from their
behaviour – chicks that are too hot are noisy and pant behaviour – chicks that are too
(asture
Air
shown and the1)comfort
temperature,
in Figure in order of the
humidity,
to lose young
heat.and air hot are noisy and pant (as shown
chick.
Chicksspeed that areinteract and
cold will huddle will
together all have
to keep warm Fig. 1. Chicks that are too hot.
in Fig. 1) in order to lose heat.
(see Figure 2) and their legs will feel cold. Chicks that are cold will huddle
In aan effect
recent onAviagen
trial, the the body Hatcherytempera-
Specialist team together to keep warm (see Fig.
Figure 1 Chicks that are too Fhot. ig. 2. Chicks that are cold.
showed that chicks that were panting had a high vent 2) and their legs will feel cold.
It
tureis easy
and to
the see if
comfort chicksof are
the
temperature (averaging 106°F), while comfortable chicks young
In a recent trial, the Aviagen Hatchery Specialist team showed that
had uncomfortable
chick.
a vent temperature that from their104°F.
averaged Figthat. were
chicks 1. panting
Chichadksa high thaventt atemperature
re too(averaging
hot.
When the two groups were held in the hatchery for 106˚F), while comfortable chicks had a vent temperature that averaged
12behaviour – chicks
hours, the over-heated chicks that are too
lost nearly twice as 104˚F.
much weight.
hot
It isare easy noisyto see andif pantchicks (asareshown When the two groups were held in the hatchery for 12 hours, the
Samples taken at the hatchery showed that chicks that over-heated chicks lost nearly twice as much weight.
had inuncomfortable
Fig.overheated
been 1) in order hadfrom to gut
slight lose
their heat.so they
damage,
could not absorb nutrients as well. Samples taken at the hatchery showed that chicks that had been
Grown behaviour
on in a broiler– chicks that
trial, these arewere
chicks too60g overheated
as well.
had slight gut damage, so they could not absorb nutrients
Chicks
hot arethat noisyareand cold pantwill(as
lighter at 35 days than chicks that had been held in
comfortable conditions.
huddle
shown Grown on in a broiler trial, these chicks were 60g lighter at 35 days
in Fig. 1)toinkeep
together orderwarm to lose(see heat. Fig. thanFigure chicks that had been held in comfortable conditions.
2 Chicks that are cold.
2) and their legs will feel cold. Fig. 2. Chicks that are cold.
9
Chicks that are cold will huddle 8
Weight loss % after 12 hours
Intogether
a recentto trial, keepthe warm Aviagen
(see Fig. Hatchery Specialist7
6 team showed that
chicks
2) and that theirwere legs panting
will feel had cold.a high vent Fig4 . 2temperature
5 . Chicks tha(averaging t are cold.
106˚F), while comfortable chicks had a 32vent temperature that averaged
In a recent trial, the Aviagen Hatchery Specialist
104˚F. 1 team showed that
0
chicks that were panting had a high vent temperature 1 06 ˚F (averaging
Vent temperature
104˚F
106˚F),the
When whiletwocomfortable
groups werechicks held inhad theahatchery
vent temperature for 12 hours, that averaged
the
104˚F.
over-heated chicks lost nearly twice as much weight. A service to hatchery personnel from Aviagen www.aviagen.com
First published in International Hatchery Practice
Hatchery Tips Page 3

TIP
WHAT2 IS YOUR
WHAT IS YOUR
What Is YourMECONIUM
MECONIUM SCORE?
Meconium Score?
SCORE?
If chicks are held in the hatcher for too long, they do not grow as well in
IfIfIf chicks
chicks are
are held
held in
in the
the hatcher
chicks are held in the hatcher
hatcher for for too
too
too long,
for house.
long, they
long,
they do
do not
they do
not grow
grow as as well
well inin eggs are in groups 4 or 5, then the chicks
the broiler A good waynotto tell Ifif the
thisdirtiest
is happening is to check how
the
the broiler
broiler house.
house. A
grow as well in the broilerA good
good way
way to
to
house. tell
tell if
if this
this is
is happening
happening is
is to
to check
check how
how
many of theAeggs goodinway to tell basket
a hatcher if arearebeing left with
stained in themeconium
hatcher for too long. Delay the next
(the
many
many
this isof ofhappening
the
the eggs
eggs ininisaatohatcher
hatcher
check basket
basket
how manyare
are stained
stained with
with meconium
of the eggs meconium
in set by (the
(the
3 hours and make a note to check again when
dark green first droppings of the chick).
S YOUR dark
dark green
a hatchergreenbasket
first
first droppings
droppings
green first droppings of the chick).
are stained of
of the
the
withchick).
chick).
meconium (the dark these eggs hatch in 3 weeks time. When you check
them, if there are still eggs in groups 4 or 5 you will need
IUM
? from
To
To SCORE?
Tofind
find
findout
from
out
outwhat
each
what
whatyour
eacheggs
5 dirtiest of
your
of 55 hatcher
hatcher
To find out what your meconium score
yourmeconium
meconium
meconium
traysofper
from each per
score
score
score
flock.
is,
is,is,
pick
pick
flock. Select
5 hatcher Select
out
outout
pick
traysthe
the
the
thethe
pereggs
eggs
55 dirtiest
dirtiest
immediately
flock.immediately
is, pickthe
to delay
eggs
eggs
outnext
the 5setdirtiest
from each of 5 hatcher trays per flock. Select the eggs immediately
trays
eggs 3 hours.
by a further
If all the eggs are clean, check that your total incubation
Select the eggs are chicks
after the the
immediately are are
removed from the hatcher.
is notScore the eggs
– thisagainst
after
after the
the chicks
chicks removedafter
are removed from thechicks
from the hatcher.
hatcher. removed
Score
Score the time
the eggs
eggs against
against too short would be indicated by wet
from the hatcher. Score thethe5-point
eggs scale shown
against the below.
5-point chicks in each hatcher basket and, if very short, live
the
the 5-point
5-point
n the hatcher scale
scale
for too shown
shown
long, theybelow.
below.
do not grow as well in
g, they scale
do notshown
grow as well in
below. pipped embryos.
A good way to tell if this is happening is to check how
is happening is to check how If your meconium scores vary from tray to tray, setter
in a hatcher basket are stained with meconium (the
tained with meconium (the temperatures may be variable. Use the meconium scores
oppings of the chick). to adjust setting times so that clean eggs predominate
on every tray.
our meconium score is, pick out the 5 dirtiest eggs
pick out the 5 dirtiest eggs Remember to check every hatch – flock age, egg age,
tcher trays per flock. Select the eggs immediately and season can all affect the total incubation time.
ect the eggs immediately
e removed from the hatcher. Score the eggs against
her. Score the eggs against
shown below.
1 2 3 too long
Incubation time Incubation time too short
11 22 33
Clean egg shells
5 or more dirty eggs per tray
1. Clean in hatch debris
11.. CClleeaann
All chicks dry at time
2. Almost clean Some chicks still wet
moosstt cclleeaann of chick take-off
22..AAllm
3. Slight marks Live pipped embryos
33.. SSlliigghhtt m
maarrkkss
4. Marked
44.. MMaarrkkeedd
2 3
3 4 5
44 55 5. Dirty
55.. DDiirrttyy
1. Clean
1. Clean
If the dirtiest eggs are in groups 4 or 5, then the chicks are being left in
IfIf the
the dirtiest
dirtiest eggs
eggs are are inin groups
groups 44 or or 5,
5, then
then the
the chicks
chicks are are being
being left
left in
in
2. Ahatcher
the lmost cfor leantoo long. Delay the next set by 3 hours and make a note
the2. Ahatcher
the lmost cfor
hatcher lfor
eantoo
too long.
long. Delay
Delay the the next
next set set by
by 33 hours
hours and and makemake aa notenote
to check again when these eggs hatch in 3 weeks time. When you
to
to check
check again again whenwhen these
these 3.eggs
eggs hhatch
thatch
Sligthem, maifrkinsin 33 weeks
weeks time.
time. When When you you
3. Sligthem, ht maifrifkthere
sthere are check there are still eggs in groups 4 or 5 you will need to
check
check them, are still
still eggs
eggs in in groups
groups 44 or or 55 you
you will will need
need to to
delay the next set by a further 3 hours.
delay
delay the the next
next setset by by aa further
further 3
4. Marked3 hours.
hours.
4. Marked
5 If all the eggs are clean, check that your total incubation time is not too
IfIf all
all the
the eggs
eggs are are clean,
clean, check
check
5. Dirtthat
that
y your your total
total incubation
incubation time time isis not
not too
too
5. Dirty short – this would be indicated by wet chicks in each hatcher basket
short
short –– this this would
would be be indicated
indicated by by wet
wet chicks
chicks in in each
each hatcher
hatcher basket basket
and, if very short, live pipped embryos.
are inand,
and,
groups ifif very
very
4 orshort,
short,
5, then live
livethe
pipped
pipped
chicks embryos.
embryos.
are being left in First published in International Hatchery Practice
n the chicks are being left in
long. Page
Delay4the next set by 3 hours If yourand make a scores
meconium note vary from tray to tray, setter temperatures may
by 3 hours
IfIf your
your and make a note Hatchery Tips
en these eggsmeconium
meconium
hatch in 3scores
scores
weeksbe vary
vary
time.from
from
When
variable.
tray
trayyouto
to tray,
tray, setter
setter temperatures
temperatures may may
Use the meconium scores to adjust setting times so that
3 weeks time. When you
re are be
be variable.
still variable.
eggs in Use Use the
groups the4meconium
meconium
or 5 you will scores
scores
needtototoadjust
adjust setting
setting times times soso that
that
When you set up your incubator, did you know
LETthe
you YOUR EGGS on whether the incuba
best guidance
GUIDE
are YOU
correct?
When you set up your incubator, did you know that your eggs can give
Incubator temperature sensors measure air t
you the best guidance on whether the incubator temperature settings
are correct?
places in the machine. For practical reasons
TIP 3 Incubator temperature sensors measure air temperature at various
somewhere
places in the machine.they do reasons
For practical not get inhave
sensors theto beway
sited of load
Let Your Eggs Guide You somewhere they do not get in the way of loading or cleaning. Because
ofthis,this,
of they
they may mayreflect
not always notthealways reflect
air temperature that is the air tem
experienced by the eggs.
Provided that everything is
correctly set up, and the
When you set up your incubator, did you know that your
eggs can give you the best guidance on whether the
machine is well maintained,
then the air temperature is a
Pr
incubator temperature settings are correct? good indicator that the co
embryo temperatures are
Incubator temperature sensors measure air temperature correct as well. But if not, m
at various places in the machine. For practical reasons the machine temperature
sensors have to be sited somewhere they do not get may not predict embryo th
in the way of loading or cleaning. Because of this, temperature as accurately
as you would like it to.
go
they may not always reflect the air temperature that is
Once the setter has
em
Provided that everything is correctly set up, and the stabilised, it is wise to co
machine is well maintained, then the air temperature calibrate the machine
is a good indicator that the embryo temperatures are sensors. This should be done th
using an accurate, certified
correct as well. But if not, the machine temperature
calibration thermometer, every time the machine is loaded (single stage) m
may not predict embryo temperature as accurately as
you would like it to.
or monthly (multi stage). But this only tells you whether the air
temperature recorded by the machine sensors is accurate. It may not be
te
Once the setter has stabilised, it is wise to calibrate at a level which is optimal for the embryos. So, you should also check
that your eggs reflect the temperature calibration.
as
the machine sensors. This should be done using an
accurate, certified calibration thermometer, every time
Check the egg shell temperature on day 2 of incubation, when the eggs
the machine is loaded (single stage) or monthly (multi O
are up to incubator temperature but the embryo is too small to be
stage). But this only tells you whether the air temperature producing heat. The eggshell temperatures should all be within ±0.2°F
recorded by the machine sensors is accurate. It may st
(0.1°C) of the air temperature in most types of setter. If they are not, it
not be at a level which is optimal for the embryos.
So, you should also check that your eggs reflect the
ca
could indicate something is wrong (for example worn door seals,
sticking solenoids, etc).
temperature calibration. se
Check the egg shell temperature on day 2 of incubation, us
when the eggs are up to incubator temperature but the
embryo is too small to be producing heat. The eggshell calibration thermometer, every time the mach
temperatures should all be within ±0.2°F or monthly (multi stage). But this only tells yo
(0.1°C) of the air temperature in most types of setter.
If they are not, it could indicate something is wrong
temperature recorded by the machine sensor
(for example worn door seals, sticking solenoids, etc). at a level which is optimal for the embryos. S
that your eggs reflect the temperature calibra
Check the egg shell temperature on day 2 of

are up to incubator temperature but the emb
producing heat. The eggshell temperatures s
A service to hatchery personnel from Aviagen www.aviagen.com
(0.1°C) of the airFirsttemperature in most types o
published in International Hatchery Practice
Hatchery Tips
could indicate something is wrong (for Page 5
examp
sticking solenoids, etc).
CHICKS ARE HELD TOO LONG l Didyour
watch the eggs
eggsturn when you expected them to?
turning:
l Did all the trolleys/trays turn?
AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, IT
l Wasthe
l Did theeggs
turning
turnsmooth
when youandexpected
gentle? them to?
l Wasallthe
l Did theturning angle correct
trolleys/trays turn? on all the trolleys/trays?
l Was the turning smooth and gentle?
Incorrect turning angles,
angleorcorrect
completeon allturning failure, are among the
CAN AFFECT THEIR GROWTH?

l Was the turning the trolleys/trays?
most frequent issues we identify on hatchery visits. The impact of mildly
suboptimal
Incorrect turning
turning anglesoron
angles, hatch can
complete be subtle,
turning butare
failure, willamong
includethe
increased
most levels
frequent of early
issues we and late on
identify dead embryos,
hatchery malpositions
visits. The impactin ofthemildly
late
deads and also
suboptimal unabsorbed
turning angles onalbumen
hatch cancovering somebutchicks.
be subtle, If you do
will include
TIP 4
not correctlevels
increased turning issuesand
of early as late
soondead
as they are found,
embryos, it will costinyou
malpositions the late
chicks.and
deads Turning
also problems
unabsorbed willalbumen
affect embryo
coveringdevelopment
some chicks. mostIf you
severely
do
when they happen early in incubation.
not correct turning issues as soon as they are found, it will cost you
The newly
When Didhatched chick
You Last can notYour Eggs Turning?
Watch chicks. Turning problems will affect embryo development most severely
Turning angle of 31.6 degrees is too shallow. Target is 40-45 degrees
when they happen early in incubation.
Turning angle of 31.6 degrees is too shallow. Target is 40-45 degrees
well.
All hatchery managers are busy and it can be difficult
to find time to just observe eggs in your setters. But,
Air temperature, humidity, and air
egg turning is essential for good hatchability and the
turning angle, turning frequency, and the smoothness
speed interact and will all have
of the turn are of key importance. So, make some time
to watch your eggs turning:
an effect on the body tempera-
• Did the eggs turn when you expected them to?
• ture and
Did all the comfort
the trolleys/trays turn? of the young
• Was the turning smooth and gentle?
• chick.
Was the turning angle correct on all the trolleys/ Fig. 1. Chicks that are too hot.
trays?
Getting the1turning
Figure angle
Turning just of
angle right at 42
31.6 degrees.is too shallow. Target
degrees
Incorrect turning angles, or complete turning failure, are
It is easy to see if chicks are
among the most frequent issues we identify on hatchery
visits. The impact of mildly suboptimal turning angles on
is 40-45 degrees.
Getting the turning angle just right at 42 degrees.
uncomfortable from their
hatch can be subtle, but will include increased levels
of early and late dead embryos, malpositions in the late
behaviour – chicks that are too
deads and also unabsorbed albumen covering some
chicks. If you do not correct turning issues as soon as
hot are noisy and pant (as shown
they are found, it will cost you chicks. Turning problems
in Fig. 1) in order to lose heat.
will affect embryo development most severely when
they happen early in incubation.
Chicks that are cold will huddle

together to keep warm (see Fig. Figure 2 Getting the turning angle just right at 42 degrees.
2) and their legs will feel cold. Fig. 2. Chicks that are cold.
In a recent trial, the Aviagen Hatchery Specialist team showed that

chicks that were panting had a high vent temperature (averaging
106˚F), while comfortable chicks had a vent temperature that averaged
104˚F.
When the two groups were held in the hatchery for 12 hours, the
over-heated chicks lost nearly twice as much weight.

grades at the hatchery, but also performance on the broiler farm will be
poorer. Chicks from eggs which have been overheated will not grow as
well, and will tend to have higher mortality throughout the flock life.
Feed conversion may also suffer.
LET YOUR EGGS
GUIDE YOU
When you set up your incubator, did you know that your eggs can give
you the best guidance on whether the incubator temperature settings
are correct?
TIP 5 Hot area in a single stage setter
If ventilation is adequate, hatchability is not usually affected until higher
Incubator temperature sensors measure air temperature at various
EGGS
Hot DAMAGE
Eggs Damage Chick
eggshell Quality
temperatures are reached.
places in the machine. For practical reasons sensors have to be sited
somewhere they do not get in the way of loading or cleaning. Because
HOTQUALITY
CK EGGS DAMAGEIt is easy to visualise the variation in eggshell temperature in the setters of this, they may not always reflect the air temperature that is
Hot area in a single stage setter
CHICK QUALITY by entering the temperatureseggshell

If ventilation is adequate, hatchability is not usually affected until higher
into antemperatures
Excel spreadsheet,
are reached.and plotting a
Provided that everything is
an optimalThereembryo
is an temperature
optimal embryo graphembryos
rangetemperature
where using thewill
range chart
be type ‘surface’
where spreadsheet, and theand option ‘contour’.
plotting In correctly
a graph theusingsetthe up,chart
and thetype
ble. When
There aneggs
isembryos
optimalget too
be hot,
embryo
will chick quality
temperature
comfortable. example
will where
range
When eggs given
suffer longbelow,
embryos
get before
too taken
will
hot, be from a fixed
It‘surface’
is easy andrackthemultistage
to visualise the variation
option setter
in and
eggshell
‘contour’. temperature
machine
In wellinmaintained,
theisexample the setters
given
chickusing a will
thermal image by entering
iron colour the temperatures
palette, into an Excel spreadsheet, and plottingisaa
ity is affected.
comfortable.
chickWhen
qualityeggs get toolong
will suffer hot,before quality
hatchability suffer long before
is affected. below, takenthe graph
from shows
a fixed a cool
rack thenspot
the air temperature
multistage setter and
graph using the chart type ‘surface’ and thegood option ‘contour’.
indicator that Inthethe
hatchability
Check is affected.
the eggshell temperatures nearon thedays
door and 16 totwo18hot spots
using
example
in stacks
agiven
thermal7 andimage
13.fromiron
below, taken colour
a fixed rack palette,
multistage the and
setter graph
embryo temperatures are
e eggshell temperatures on days 16 to 18 of
of incubation, when the embryos are producing a lot incubation, when shows
using a a cool
thermal spot
image near
iron colourthe door
palette, and
the graph
correct two
as hot
shows
well. a
Butspots
cool
if spotin
not,
Check
yos arethe eggshell
ofproducing
heat, to temperatures
asee heat, on
lot ifofthere to days
aresee
anyif16 to 18
there areofany
dangerous incubation,
hot-spots whennear
stacks 7 and
the door and 13.
two hot spots in stacks 7theandmachine
13. temperature
thehot-spots
us embryos are producing
developing
developing in the inasetters.
lotsetters.
the of heat, toasee
UseUse if there
a Braun
Braun are any
ThermoScan may not predict embryo
dangerous hot-spots developing inorthe setters. Use temperature as accurately
infra-red
can infra-red earear thermometer,
thermometer, or
Tiny Tiny
Tag Taga temperature
temperatureBraunloggers
as you would like it to.
ThermoScan
or the eggs ininfra-red
loggers the earof
tocentre
monitor thermometer,
theegg
the eggs or the
in
trays Tiny Tag temperature
in ascentre
many of the egg
different loggers
toasmonitor the
trays
you can. ineggs in
as manythe centre of
different the egg
locations trays
as in as
you many
can. different Once the setter has
ocations as you
Chick can. will be affected wherever you find eggshell
quality stabilised, it is wise to
temperatures exceeding 102°F Places
(38.9°C). where eggshell
Chicks from temperatures calibrate the machine
ality will be affected wherever you find eggshell temperatures Places where eggshell temperatures sensors. This should be done
Chick quality will be affected
overheated eggs willwherever youexceed
hatch earlier, findsoeggshell
102°F
are moretemperatures
(38.9°C)
proneindicate that
g 102°F
exceeding (38.9°C). Chicks
102°F (38.9°C). from
Chicks overheated
frombe eggs
overheated will hatch
eggs will hatch
exceed 102°F (38.9°C) indicate that using an accurate, certified
to dehydration. They will also action
paler,isshorter
needed. Check
and the dooraction
seals,is needed.
calibrationfan Check door
thermometer, everyseals,
time fan
the machine is loaded (single stage)
oearlier,
are more
so are
yolk
prone
more
sac
to dehydration.
willprone
They will
to dehydration.
be bigger. Unhealed They also
willbe
navels
paler,
also
willbebe
shorter
paler,
more shorter
speeds, setting patterns (wasspeeds,
orthe setsetting
monthly patterns
(multi stage).(was the only
But this set tells you whether the air
yolk
and sac will sac
thecommon.
yolk be bigger.
will be Unhealed navels navels
bigger. Unhealed will bewill more common.
bespray
morenozzles,
common.cooling
balanced?),
balanced?), coils,spray
temperature nozzles,
recorded cooling
by the coils,sensors is accurate. It may not be
machine
ck quality
When chick isquality
poor, isnotpoor,
onlynotwillonly
there be
will more
there be culls
more and
culls down-
and down- solenoids, water isflows,
at a level which fanfor
optimal blades, turn- So, you should also check
the embryos.
When chick quality is poor, not onlysolenoids, will there water
be more flows,
cullsfan blades, turn-
t the hatchery,
grades but alsobut
at thedowngrades
and hatchery, performance
atalso on the
theperformance
hatchery, ing broiler
on
but farmfrequency
the broiler
angles
also and will
farmbewill and
performance being
thatangles
incoming
and frequency
your eggs reflect the and incomingcalibration.
temperature
air temperature and humidity.
hicks from
poorer. Chicks
on eggs
the fromwhich
broiler have
eggsfarm
which been
will beoverheated
have been
poorer. will notwill
overheated
air Chicks
temperature grow
from as
noteggs
and grow as Check the egg shell temperature on day 2 of incubation, when the eggs
humidity.
will tend
well, and to have
will
which tend higher
haveto havemortality
been higher
overheated throughout
mortality the flock
willthroughout
not grow as life.
thewell,
flockandlife. A sare upetotoincubator
ervic hatc herytemperature but theAviagen
pers onneltemperatures
from embryo is too small to be
www.aviagen.c om
Places where eggshell exceed 102°F
version
Feed may
conversion
will tendalsotosuffer.
may also higher
have suffer. mortality throughout
A s ervic e to hatc theheryflock producing heat. The eggshell temperatures should all be within ±0.2°F
(38.9°C)
pers onnel fromindicate
Aviagen that action is needed. Check
www.aviagen.c om door seals,
life. Feed conversion may also suffer. (0.1°C) of the air temperature in most types of setter. If they are not, it
fan
couldspeeds, setting ispatterns
indicate something wrong (for (was
examplethe set
worn balanced?),
door seals,
spray
stickingnozzles, cooling coils, solenoids, water flows, fan
solenoids, etc).
blades, turning angles and frequency and incoming air
temperature and humidity.
Figure 1 The pale coloured Hot area

Figure 2 in
Hotaarea
single
in astage
singlesetter
chick is
was overheated. Hot area in a single stage setter
f ventilation adequate, hatchability isstage setter. affected until higher
not usually
ion is adequate,
eggshell hatchability
temperatures is not usually affected until higher
are reached.
If ventilation
temperatures is adequate, hatchability is not usually
are reached.
affected until higher eggshell temperatures are reached.
t is easy to visualise the variation in eggshell temperature in the settersFigure 3 Chicks that are cold.
It is easy to visualise
inthe
toentering
by visualise thetemperatures
the variation intovariation
eggshell in eggshellintemperature
temperature
an Excel spreadsheet,theandsetters
plotting a
ng in the setters by entering the temperatures into an Excel
graph using the chart type ‘surface’ and the optionand
the temperatures into an Excel spreadsheet, plotting
‘contour’. Inathe A service to hatchery personnel from Aviagen www.aviagen.com
ng the chart
example giventype
below,‘surface’ and athe
taken from option
fixed rack‘contour’.
multistageInsetter
the and
givenabelow,
using thermal
Hatcherytaken
Tipsfrom
image ironacolour
fixed rack multistage
palette, the graphsetter
shows anda cool spot Page 7
near theimage
hermal door and
irontwo hot spots
colour in stacks
palette, 7 and
the graph 13. a cool spot
shows
TIP 6
How Often Do You Check Eggs Coming In To Your
Hatchery For Hairline Cracks?
Identifying all the eggs that have cracked shells on arrival

at the hatchery is not easy, but removing and discarding
them will increase your hatchability and improve chick
quality. As the use of automated egg handling on
the farms increases, hairline cracks, in particular, are
becoming much more common.
‘Hairline’ cracks can be difficult to spot. They occur
when the force of an impact is just sufficient to crack the
crystalline shell, but there is no obvious surface damage
or disruption to the underlying shell membranes. Hairline
cracks may only become obvious after a few days in
the egg store when moisture from the egg contents
Figure 1
has had time to penetrate into the crack and produce
a faint grey line at the shell surface (Figure 1).
A good way to detect hairline cracks is to candle the
eggs because the moisture that has entered the crack
becomes illuminated brightly (Figure 2).
Eggs with hairline cracks can cause just as many
problems as eggs with more severe shell damage.
Research has shown that the hatchability of eggs with
hairline cracks can be reduced by almost 25%. In
addition, there is an increased level of contamination
in eggs with hairline cracks which seems to be carried
over to the chicks. The mortality of chicks hatched
from cracked eggs to two weeks of age was almost
Figure 2
four times that in the control group.
When the effect of hairline crack length on hatchability,
egg weight loss, embryo losses, chick quality and
contamination rates have been studied it is clear that
substantial detrimental effects still occur in eggs with
only short hairline cracks, such as that in Figure 3. So,
the message is clear. Cracked eggs and those with
hairline cracks are bad news for the hatchery. Not only
do they reduce hatchability through increased water
loss from the egg, but they are more likely to become
contaminated. This contamination is carried over onto
the farm by the chicks.
Figure 3

HAVE
HAVEYOU YOUGOT GOT AA
HATCHERY
HATCHERYMAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
TIP 7
PLAN
PLANININPLACE?
PLACE?
Have You Got A Hatchery Maintenance Plan In Place?
During During hatcheryhatchery visits

visits weweoften oftennotice
noticethat
that maintenance
maintenance isisreactive reactive
rather than preventative
During hatchery visits we often notice that maintenance
rather than preventative – things areRegular
is reactive rather than preventative – things are only
– things are only
unacceptablefixed
onlyvisual when
readings.
fixedcheckswhen they
they breakdown.
break down.
should still be done several
This
Thiscompromise can
can compromise
fixed when they break down. compromise hatchability
hatchability and and chick
timeschick quality
a day to quality which are
which humidity,
ensure temperature, are the
the twotwo
ventilation
This can most important performance
hatchability and chick quality factors
andaturning
hatchery’s
are all as success
they should is measured
be. Over time it
whichmost
are theimportant
two most important performance
performance factorsfactorsshould
a hatchery’s
be possible tosuccess assess costs is and
measured
benefits of
a hatchery’s on.success
A scheduled is measured maintenance
on. A scheduled programme minimises
the maintenance programme. thePreventive
risk ofmaintenance
ma-
on. A scheduled
maintenance programme minimises maintenance
the risk of machineprogramme minimises
generally has the risk
benefits in all industries andof thema-
hatchery
failure andchine the impactfailure and the
of incorrect impact
machine of incorrect
operation machine
is no exception. operation
It contributes on
to a better hatch
hatchability
chine
on hatch andfailure
and quality.
quality. Aand A
few thethings
few
things impact
to to
consider ofwhen
incorrect
consider andwhen machine
chick setting
quality, saferoperation
up a
work maintenanceon hatch
environment, reduced
andprogramme
quality. A few
setting up a maintenance programme are:
are:things to considerinsurance whencosts setting up a maintenance
power and utility costs as efficiency is increased, lower
and retaining a higher value of assets.
• Have a dedicated person responsible for
programme
• Havereporting
maintenance a are:
dedicated person
to the hatchery re-
manager.
•maintained
Have a dedicated
• Produce a list of all the equipment to be
sponsible including
person
forfrequencies.
maintenance re- re-
• sponsible
Keep portingfor
records on maintenance
to the
all hatchery
performed re-
maintenance.
• Keep track of the spare parts on hand.
• porting theto
manager.
Include the hatchery
building structure and ancillary
equipment in the programme.
• manager. • Produce
All sensors (temperature, a listhumidity
of all etc)
theneed to
equipment
be calibrated
• Produce to of
regularly.
a list be all
maintained
the
Maintenance is required on any equipment that can
the including
equipment to be maintained
affect performance frequencies.
of the hatchery. This includes Air filters need to be checked
• equipment
setters, hatchers, Keepfrequencies.
all records
chick on all
processing equipment, any Figure 1 Air filters need to bean d repand laced regregularly.
ularly
including
measuring (thermometers, hygrometers, Air filterschecked need toreplaced be checked
pressure performed maintenance.
water
gauges), ventilation,
• treatment
Keep records systems, alarm
generators, all possible
on systems
all and trucks. and replaced regularly
All performed
• Keep track of the spare
maintenance should
partsinstructions,
manufacturers’
maintenance.
be done according to
on hand.by using their provided
• Keep
checklists track
•andInclude
their of the
recommended
the spare intervals
maintenance
building
as a minimum. Keeping good recordsstruc-
is useful to
parts
monitor theon
ifture same hand.
and ancillary equipment
equipment keeps failing or needs
more maintenance than others as this could indicate
that• Include
there inis anthe the building
programme.
underlying struc-Keeping
problem elsewhere.
ture•and ancillary equipment
track of the spare parts and their usage avoids over
All sensors
ordering unnecessary parts. (temperature,
Some inofthe
the programme.
humidity
incubation etc) need now
manufacturers to beoffer technical Figure 2 Fan belts should be checked regularly and replaced
audits which are extremely helpful to get you started with as necessary – this belt is not fit for use.
your•maintenance
Allcalibrated
sensors program. (temperature,
regularly.
Monitoring the equipment Fan belts should be checked regularly
allows us toMaintenance
humidity etc) needistorequired
see if the equipment is
be on any
performing
the acceptable limits and to take action if we notice
within and replaced as necessar y
equipment
calibrated that can affect the
regularly. – thipublished
First s beltinisInternational
not fitHatchery
for uPractice
se.
Fan belts should be checked regPage ula9rly
Hatchery Tips
performanceisofrequired
Maintenance the hatchery. on any This and replaced as necessar y
Body temperature in young chicks therefore depends on the surrounding
being too hot or cold are only environment. Yet it is crucial to help chicks stay in their thermal comfort
seen when DOA numbers in- zone after they hatch. If chicks are too hot or cold, they will use more en-
ergy during holding. If they are too hot, they will also pant and get dehy-
crease. On the other hand, it is drated. These chicks will not perform well on the farm.
not simple to keep chicks within It is extremely busy on a hatching day in a hatchery and it can be hard to
their comfort zone in a chick monitor and respond to chick comfort. Sometimes problems with chicks
being too hot or cold are only
holding room. There is not one seen when DOA numbers in-
crease. On the other hand, it is
ideal chick holding room temper-
TIP 8
ature, which is suitable in all
not simple to keep chicks within
their comfort zone in a chick
holding room. There is not one
Managing
hatcheries, becauseChickitHolding depends Room Temperatures
ideal chick holding room temper-
ature, which is suitable in all
on chick size, physical condition, hatcheries, because it depends
room humidity, chick box type on chick size, physical condition,
room humidity, chick box type
Newly andhatched
air speed
chicks around
cannotthe boxes.
regulate their body fansairinspeed
and the around
back corner
the boxes.allowed the chicks to maintain
You needtemperature
to find the ideal holding
You need to find the ideal holding
temperature very well. Body temperature in young
therefore depends on the surrounding environment. Yet
chicks a vent
room temperatures for different
above 103°F.
it is room temperatures
crucial to help chicks stayfor different
in their thermal comfort seasons in your own hatchery.
These chicks are too hot.
zoneseasons
after they in your own hatchery.
hatch. If chicks are too hot or cold, they One Aviagen internal study has
will use more energy during holding. If they are too hot, shown that vent temperature is a good indicator of chick comfort. A chick
they will also pant and get dehydrated. These chicks These chicks
will be comfortable when its are too hot. is in the range of 103-
vent temperature
Oneperform
will not Aviagen internal
well on study has
the farm. 105°F (39.4-40.6°C). Identify sample chicks and measure chick vent
temperature hourly in the chick holding room. If chick vent temperature is
It is extremely busy on a hatching day in a hatchery
shown that vent temperature is a good indicator of chick comfort. A chick
and it can be hard to monitor and respond to chick
too high, lower room temperature settings. If chick vent temperature
is low, then increase room temperature settings.
will be
comfort. comfortable
Sometimes problemswhen its vent
with chicks temperature
being too is in the range of 103-
105°F
hot or (39.4-40.6°C).
cold are only seen when DOAIdentify
numbers sample
increase. chicks
If chicksand measure
are sampled and chickchick vent measured at different
vent temperature
On the other hand, it is not simple to keep chicks within locations in the chick holding room you can determine where any hot/cold
theirtemperature
comfort zone inhourly in the chick
a chick holding holding
room. There is notroom.
spotsIfare.
chick
Then youvent
can temperature
use the information toisimprove chick trolley de-
onetooidealhigh,
chicklower
holdingroom sign, chick trolley placement in the room, air circulation in the room and
temperature
room temperature, which settings.
is If chick vent temperature
room ventilation, so that all chicks will be comfortable throughout the en-
suitable in all hatcheries, because it depends on chick
size,isphysical
low, then increase room temperature
chick box typesettings.
tire chick holding room. Using Excel to map the temperature distribu-
condition, room humidity, tion will help to identify problem areas. In Fig.1 the chicks were all slightly
and air speed around the boxes. You need to find the cold, except in the back right corner, furthest from the door. Raising the
ideal holding room temperatures for different seasons room temperature slightly, with some additional cool-
If chicks
in your are sampled and chick vent temperature
own hatchery. ing fans in themeasured atthe
back corner allowed different
chicks to main-
Onelocations in the chick
Aviagen internal study holding
has shown room thatyou can determine
vent where
tain a vent temperature aboveany
103°F.hot/cold
spots are. Then you can use the information to improve chick trolley de-
temperature is a good indicator of chick comfort. A
chick will be comfortable when its vent temperature is in
the range ofchick
sign, trolley
103-105°F placementIdentify
(39.4-40.6°C). in thesample
room, airFig.circulation
Figure in the
1 These chicks by room
are
1. Chick vent temperature location. and
too hot.
room ventilation, so that all chicks will be comfortable throughout the en-
chicks and measure chick vent temperature hourly in
the chick holding room. If chick vent temperature is too
tire chick
high, lower room holding room.
temperature UsingIfExcel
settings. to map the temperature distribu-
chick vent
tion will help to identify problem areas. In Fig.1 the chicks were all slightly
temperature is low, then increase room temperature
settings.
cold, except in the back right corner, furthest from the door. Raising the
If chicks are sampled and chick vent temperature
room temperature
measured slightly,
at different locations with
in the some
chick additional cool-
holding
A s ervic e to hatc hery pers onnel from Aviagen www.aviagen.c om
room ingyoufans
canin the backwhere
determine corneranyallowed
hot/coldthe chicks to main-
spots
are. Then you can use the information to improve chick
tain
trolley a vent
design, temperature
chick above
trolley placement 103°F.
in the room, air
circulation in the room and room ventilation, so that all
chicks will be comfortable throughout the entire chick
holding room. Using Excel to map the temperature
distribution will help to identify problem areas. In
Figure 2 the chicks were all slightly cold, except in the
backFig.
right1.corner,
Chickfurthest
vent temperature
from the door.by location.
Raising the Figure 2 Chick vent temperature by location.
room temperature slightly, with some additional cooling

damage
a bit further when than doing the astandard breakout.
DO YOU MAKE
tempting to believe that transfer
simplified QA check. Ideally, count out.
damage
To make isanrare. accurate Yet, when check weforvisit and
close to full term and slightly dried
Impact Thedamageshell membranes to egg shells are white dur-
REGULAR CHECKS FOR
the number of unhatched eggs
hatcheries,
transfer damage, we often
per tray in a full stack of hatcher you see
need to look
papery.
ing transfer. Impact was to the side
of the egg, and the embryos were
TRANSFER DAMAGE?
significant
abaskets,
bit further
damage
simplified
the TIP
when
eggs9inQAthecheck.
amounts
than the
doing aIdeally,
ofstandard
3-4 worst trays.
transfer
then look more closely at close to full term and slightly dried
breakout. count out. The shell membranes are white
the number
Ideally,
Do this Make
You
of unhatched
should be
Regulardoneeggs soChecksthat and Impact papery.
For Transfer damage toDamage? egg shells dur-
To
With make
per tray the an
increasingaccurate
in a fullcrew stack use check of au- for
every transfer is of hatcher ing transfer. Impact was to the side
transfer
tomation then
baskets, damage,
atattransfer,look twiceyoumore need
it is closely to lookat of the egg, and the embryos were
monitored least a month;
athebit
tempting further
eggs to ifthe
in than
believe the
3-4ofhave thatstandard
worst transfer
trays. close to full term and slightly dried
moreWith
often
the increasing
theyuse automation
new team
at transfer, it
simplified
Ideally, this isQA rare.
should check.
is tempting to believe that transfer damage is rare.
damage Yet,bewhen Ideally,
often we
wedone socount that out. The shell membranes are white
visit
members.
Yet, when we visit hatcheries, see significant
Excessive
the number of crewunhatched
amounts of transfer damage when doing a breakout.
hatcheries,
every transfer we often see eggs and papery.vacuum pressure on the
check is
To make
perneedtray
an accurate
in aat aamounts
bitfull stack
for transfer damage, you
of egg lifter has caused damage to the
significant
monitored
Transfer
to look
QA check.damage
least
further
Ideally, countisthe
ofnumber
twice
than the
caused ahatcher
transfer month;
standard
ofby
simplified
atthen blunt end of the egg.

unhatched
baskets,
damage
moreeggs per often then
when
tray inifatheylook
doing
full stack more
haveofahatcher closely
breakout.
new team
baskets,
rough
look more handling
closely at the when eggs in the eggs
the 3-4 worstare trays.
Figure 1 Impact damage to egg shells during transfer. Impact
the
members. eggs in the 3-4 worst trays. was to the side of the egg, and the embryos were close to full term
moved from thetwice setter
Ideally, this should be done so that every transfer crew
tray tooftentheif they Excessive
and slightly dried out. The shell membranes are white and papery.
Impact damage vacuum to pressure
egg shellsondur- the
Ideally,
To
is monitored
make this an should
at least
accurate be
a month;
done
check
more
sofor that
hatcher
have new team
basketcaused
members.
(cracks from ear- egg lifter hasImpact
ing transfer. causedwas damage to thetoside the
every
transfer
Transfer
Transfer transfer
damage is crew
damage,
damage you
is is need
caused to
by
by rough handling when
look blunt
liertheineggsincubation
are moved fromare easytraytoto the
the setter see, hatcher of theend egg,ofand the the egg.embryos were
monitored
a bit
rough further
handling
basket (cracks at least
than
from
whenthe
earliertwice standarda
thecontents month;
eggs
in incubation
are close to full term and slightly dried
are easy
because
to see, because in these in thesethe the eggegg contents will have
more
simplified
moved
completelyoften
from QAthe
dried if they
check. have
setterdried
out).Transfer new
Ideally,
tray
cracks will team
tocountthe
have some
out. The shell membranes are white
will have
drying completely
out, especially of the shell out).
membranes, but the
members.
thecontents
hatcher number still of
basket
will unhatched
be soft (cracks
(if the eggfrom waseggs
Figure 2 Excessive vacuum pressure on the egg lifter has
and
caused papery.
ear-or the Excessive
infertile,
vacuum
blunt end of pressure on the
Transfer
embryo died cracks will
early in incubation have some
the egg contents will
damage to the the egg.
pergenerally
lier
drying tray
in out,in beaespecially
incubation
still full stack
liquid). are easy ofofthe hatcher
toshellsee, egg lifter has caused damage to the
Transfer
The
baskets,
because damage damage
thenshown
inthethese in
look is
the
the caused
top
more photograph
egg closely by
contents is usually
blunt end of the egg.
athard Damage
membranes,
caused when but
tray orthe
buggy contents
has to be pushed will caused by a ridge or bar on
rough
the
willto get ithandling
eggs
have into position.when
in the
completely 3-4 the
worst
It tends to
dried eggs
be seen
trays.
out). aretop the handling equipment.
on the
stilltraysbe(aftersoft (if the
transfer) egg buggies
or on whole was if the hatchery
moved
Ideally,
Transfer from
this
floor is damaged.
cracks the
should setter
willbe
Excessive
have traysome
done
pressure intothethe
so that
vacuum
infertile,
lifter can damage or the theembryo
blunt end of the died egg;earlyin this case
hatcher
every
drying
the shell basket
transfer
out,
does not flake(cracks
crew
especially away is of
from from
the
the egg. ear-
shell
The other Figure 3 Damage caused by a ridge or bar on the handling
in common
incubation the egg contents
form of external damage is when the handling will equipment.
lier
monitoredin
membranes,
system incubation
has at but
bars or least
ridges are
the twice
which easy
contents
can cause to
a month; a see,
will
linear hole Damage caused by a ridge or bar on
generally
in the side ofstill the egg. be liquid).
because
more beoften
stillAlthough soft in these
if they
(if
it is fairly the
easy to
the
have
egg egg
was
identify new contents
team
the characteristic the handling equipment.
will
members. have
external
infertile, damage
impactor
completely
to the
caused
theembryo
at dried diedout).
transfer, it is possible for
early the Excessive vacuum pressure on the
Thethe damage kill shown embryoinwithout the top
damaging
Transfer
in shell. Whencracks
incubation the
this happens, willegg have
there
contentssome
are usually
will egg lifter has caused damage to the
blood clots
photograph
visible, caused by isrupture
usually caused
of the external blood vessels.
drying
Transfer out,still especially of the by shell
when thedamage
generally tray be is caused
or liquid).
buggy has to be blunt end of the egg.
membranes,
rough but the contents will Figure 4 Transfer damage does not always damage the shell;
Damage
shows a latecaused
dead embryoby a rough
ridge or hasbarcaused
on
pushedhandling hard to when get it into the eggs position. are this where handling
still
moved be soft
from (ifshown
thesetter eggin was the handling equipment.
bleeding, and the blood has then clotted.
The
It tends damage to bethe seen on the tray
the top to the
top First published in International Hatchery Practice
infertile,
hatcher
photograph or
basket the embryo
is usually(cracks died
from early
ear- Transfer damage does not always
trays
Hatchery
(after
Tips
transfer) orcaused
on whole Page 11
in incubation the egg contents will damage the shell; this shows a late
Egg turning is a key input for normal embryo development. Brooding
hens roll the eggs in their nests; in hatcheries, trays of eggs must be
tilted to either side of horizontal. For the best hatchability, eggs should
be tilted once an hour to achieve a 38-45° angle to each side. Hatcha-
bility will be depressed if turning angles are too shallow, or
turning is not frequent enough, especially in the first 7 days.
TIP 10
CheckDuring
Hatch Debris
the early stages Regularly
of embryonic To Identify Egg Turning
Problems CHECK HATCH DEBRIS
growth, the chorio-allantoic membrane
(CAM) forms to enclose the albumen.
REGULARLY TO IDENTIFY
This is the source of the network of
Brooding hens
EGG TURNING PROBLEMS
blood vessels seen on the inside of theUnfortunately, the critical sealed period is also the most
Egg turning is a key input for normal embryo development.
eggrollshell in hatch
the eggs debris.
in their nests; If turning is critical
in hatcheries, in- period for egg turning.
trays of eggsadequate
must be tilted for any reason, the CAM willIn order to identify and resolve egg turning issues,
to either side of horizontal. For
Eggeggs
the best hatchability, turning
should isbea tilted
key onceinputanforhour
normal embryomild
especially development.
chronic ones,Brooding
a routine hatch debris
not
to achieve a 38-45° form properly,
angle to each and
side. short-circuits
Hatchability
hens roll the eggs in their nests; inbreakout will the
hatcheries, traysshould
program of eggs be must be
implemented in every
be depressed small endangles
if turning
tilted to ofeither
theareegg,
side leaving
too shallow,
of a
or turning
horizontal. hatchery.The
For the A rise
best in both
CAM did
hatchability, early
not and late
reach
eggs deads with poor
the
should
is not frequent enough, especially in the first 7 days.
circulartiltedpatchonce withannohour covering of aCAM growth, malposition II or III or residual albumen
pointed end toof each
the egg, leaving
During the earlybe stages of embryonic to achieve
growth, the 38-45°
on angle
the hatched chick side.
is a strong Hatcha-of a turning
indication
blood
chorio-allantoic vessels. forms to enclose issue. some
bility will be depressed if turning angles are too shallow, or
membrane (CAM) Check albumen
the turning unavailable
angle in todirections, and
both
the albumen. This is the source of the network of make sure thattheeggs
developing embryo
are turned once an hour with
blood vessels seen turning is inside
on the not frequent
of the eggenough,
shell in especially 7 days.
in the firstopening
regular inspection, the setter door to do so.
Failure
hatch debris. of egg
If turning turning for
is inadequate or any
inadequate
reason,
the CAM willegg
not turning (frequency
form properly, or angle)
and short-circuits will cause raised levels of early dead
the
During the early stages of embryonic
small end of the egg, leaving a circular patch with no
(membrane
covering of bloodgrowth,
and blood ring) and late
vessels. the chorio-allantoic membrane
dead embryos. The late deads will
Failure of eggshow characteristic
(CAM)
turning forms signseggofthe
to enclose
or inadequate turning
albumen.
turning failure due to poor growth of the
(frequency or CAM, This is the source of the network ofbottom of the egg. There will also
leaving
angle) will residual
cause raised albumen
levels of in
early the
dead (membrane and blood ring) and late dead embryos.
be more
The late deads willblood undersized
showvessels seen
characteristic
embryos,
on the
signs
and the
inside
of turning
incidence of two specific
of the
egg shell in hatch debris. If turning is in-end of the egg) and
failure due tomalpositions,
poor growth of malposition-II
the CAM, leaving (head
residual in small
albumen in malposition-III
the bottom of the(head
adequate foregg. anyThere
to will will
left)
reason,
more undersized embryos, and the incidence of two
also be
the beCAMraised.
will This specific combination of
embryo mortality
not form
specific malpositions, categories
properly,
malposition-II and
(head inissmall
a typical the
short-circuits indicator of egg turning issues
in the
end of the egg) and hatchery.
malposition-III
small (head to left) will be
end of the egg, leaving a Figure 1 TheThe CAMCAM didreach
did not notthereach theend of the egg,
pointed
raised. This specific combination of embryo mortality
circular patch with no covering
categories is a typical indicator of egg turning issues of leaving some albumen
pointed endunavailable
of the to theleaving
egg, developing embryo.
bloodproblems
Turning
in the hatchery. vessels. are one of the more some albumen unavailable to
common
Turning problems are oneissues
of the seen by Aviagen
more common issues hatchery the developing embryo
seen by Aviagen hatchery specialists when visiting
commercialspecialists
hatcheries. of eggare
Failure There
when turning
visiting
two main or reasons
inadequate
commercial
egg turning (frequency
hatcheries. There are two main
for this. In older hatcheries, multi-stage or angle)
incubators reasonswill cause
for raised levels of early dead
are getting older.(membrane
Their turning systems have become
and blood ring) and late dead embryos. The late deads will
this. Inthey
worn. Occasionally olderfail hatcheries,
completely, ormulti-stage
more often
do not manage show
incubators characteristic
to achieve areadequate signsangles.
gettingturning
older. of turning
Their turningfailure due to poor growth of the
CAM,
In newer hatcheries, leaving
with residual
single-stage albumen
incubators,
systems have become worn. Occasionally it in the bottom of the egg. There will also
can be tricky to spot problems because the focus is
on keeping they
be
failmore
the machines
undersized
completely,
sealed for the
embryos,
or more
first few often and the incidence of two specific
days do not
and this canmanage
make to achieve adequate turning in
malpositions,
people very malposition-II
reluctant to open (head
the an- small end of the egg) and
Figure 2 A chick with residual albumen on the down.
setter doors to check the turning. The
malposition-III veryto
(head bigleft)
modern
will be raised. This specific combination of
setters put agles. Inonnewer
big load hatcheries,
the turning mechanism with
andsingle-stage
this
can cause turning embryo
incubators,
angles to itmortality
can
drop be categories
tricky
below to spot
the optimum. is aproblems
typical indicator of egg turning issues
in thethe
hatchery. A chick with residual
Page 12
because focus is on keeping the ma- albumen on the down.Hatchery Tips
chines sealed for the first few days and this
Turning problems are one of the more
used to calibrate
Magnesium nitrate thehexahydrate
machine.
Magnesium
preparation Saturated
[Mg(NOnitrate
of solutions
hexahydrate
the3)solution
2.6H2O] is
ofvery
will different
[Mg(NO
read important. 3)2.6Hwill,
50%salts andToo 2O] will read 50% and
much or insufficient
depending
sodium chlorideon the[NaCl] sodium
temperature,
water
will read chloride
always
addition 75% will RH.[NaCl]
givegive thewill
If the readreading
same
inaccurate
machine 75% RH.
results.
shows onaIfSalts
anthe machine
wet should beshows a wet
of consistent
electronic humidity
bulb temperature, rather sensor.
bulb
purity, Two
thanideally of
temperature, these
a percentage compounds
laboratoryrather than
RH,grade. aare suitable
percentage
then the predicted for
RH, then the predicted
use
readingto calibrate
will altersetter slightly or hatcher
reading
depending willelectronic
alter
on the slightly humidity
air depending
(dry bulb)sensors on at
temperaturethe air (dryin bulb) temperature in
incubation/hatcher temperatures
force at the (98-100°F).
time
force at the time of calibration. The table below shows what to expect at of calibration. The table below shows what to expect at
different dry bulb temperatures
Steps:
different dry for both bulb chemicals.
temperatures for both chemicals. Correct
Correct
Magnesium nitrate hexahydrate [Mg(NO
preparation of the solution is very important. Too much orimportant.
preparation of the 3)solution
2.6H2O] is willveryread 50% andToo much or insufficient
sodium TIP 11chloride [NaCl] will
water read
addition 75% RH.
will If
give the machine
inaccurate
insufficient
shows
results. afull
wet should be of consistent
Salts
water addition will give1inaccurate . Fill the sensor results. protection
Salts should bottlebequarter of consistent
bulb
purity,Calibrating
temperature,
ideally laboratory rather Electronic
than
purity,
withgrade. adry
theideallypercentage Humidity
laboratory
salt. Prepare RH,grade.
then
a syringetheSensors
predicted
full of water.
reading will alter slightly 2. depending
Add a smallonamount the air of (dry bulb)totemperature
water the salt and in
force at the time of calibration. shake well. The table below shows what to expect at
Steps:
different dry bulb
Steps:
temperatures
3 . When forincubators
the both chemicals.
salt becomes Correct
Calibrating the humidity sensors in can be sticky 6. (it will stick
Remove to to finish calibration, turn
the bottle
preparation
tricky. However,of theifsolution
the machine is very
the bottle) important.
the
has electronic solution humidityToo muchtoor
is ready on insufficient
use.the Turn
alarm off
and run the machine normally.
1. Fillsensors
water addition
the a saturated solution
sensor will give
protection1inaccurate
the. Fill the
of asensor
humidity
bottle specificprotection
results.
alarm
quarter chemical bottleHumidity
ofSalts
full the should
machine. bequarter
of fullshortly start showing actual level.
will
consistent
compound, presented towith the sensor in a salt.
sealedPrepare
container, a syringe One fullbatch of solution can be used for five
purity, theideally
with will dryansalt.
give laboratory
accuratePrepareand a the
grade.
4.predictable
Screwsyringedry
the bottle
full
reading ofwhichto the
water. can fitting above machines.
of water.
the hu-
2. Add be used
a smallto calibrate
amount the2of.machine.
Add
midity water a small
sensor.Saturated
to the amount
Thesalt solutions
humidity
and of water
reading to thepractice
It is goodwill
salt and to repeat this calibration every set
shake
of different salts will, depending
well.give the same reading shake
stabilise well.on the temperature,
once the salt for single stage machines and every month for multi-
solutionstage reached in-
hasmachines.
Steps:
3. When
always
sensor. the
Two salt becomes
of these 3. When
cubation
compounds
on an
stickyare the
electronic
salt
will becomes
temperature
(itsuitable
humidity
stick
for use toto sticky
(about (it will stick to
an hour).
calibrate setter or hatcher
the bottle) the solutiontemperaturesthe bottle)
electronic
5is. Once
ready tothe
the solution
humidity
humidity
use.
sensors
Turn off is ready stable,
becomes to use. calibrate
Turn off
at incubation/hatcher (98-100°F).
1. Fill the sensor protection the machine.
your bottle quarter
humidity
sensor toalarm fullthe machine.
of
the expected
the humidity
Magnesiumalarm nitrateof the
hexahydrate [Mg(NO3)2.6H2O] will value for the ma-
with
4. Screwthe
read 50%drytheandsalt.
bottle Prepare
sodium to the4 .
chine Screw
chloridea syringe the
temperature
fitting
[NaCl] above bottle
full
will read of
the75% to
water.
athu- the
the fitting(see
RH.time aboveTable).the hu-
2 . Add
If theamachine
small amount
shows a wet of
midity water
bulb to
sensor.
temperature, the Thesalt humidity
rather and than reading will
midity sensor. The
a percentage then6the
RH,humidity . Remove reading
predicted the bottle
will
reading willto finish calibration, turn
alter
shake
stabilise well.
slightly once
depending the salt stabilise
on the(dry
solution
on the air
once
alarm
has
bulb)reached
the run
and salt
temperature in-solution
the has reached in-
inmachine normally. Hu-
3 . When
force at the thesalttimebecomes cubation
of calibration.
midity sticky (it
Thetemperature
will table will
shortly belowstick to
(about
shows
start showing an hour).
cubation
what to temperature
expect at different (about dryan bulb hour).
temperatures for 1 actual level. 2
the
5. Oncebottle)
both the
the solution
humidity
chemicals. Correct
5is. preparation
One
becomes ready
Oncebatch to ofuse.
the
stable, humidityTurn
ofsolution
thecalibrate
solution
off
becomes
canis be used stable, calibrate
for five ma-
the humidity
your very important.
sensor toalarm ofmuch
the
theTooexpectedyour machine.
or
chines. sensor
insufficient
value towater
for the
the expected
addition value for the ma-
ma-
4. Screw
chine
will give the bottle atto the
inaccurate
temperature the
chine
results. fitting
Salts
time
should
(see above
temperature be of
Table).theathu-
consistentthe time (see Table).
purity, ideally laboratory grade.
midity sensor. The 6
humidity . Removereading the will
bottle to finishthiscalibration,
calibrationturn
Steps: the bottle toIt finish
6. Remove is good practice toturn
calibration, repeat
stabilise
on the once the run saltthe solution
on
every theset has
alarm reached
and runstage
forquarter
single in-
the
Hu-machine
machinesnormally. and every Hu-
1. alarm
Fill theand sensor protection machinebottle normally. full with
cubation temperature
midity willtheshortly dry salt.start
(about
Prepare
midity
month
showing an
will hour).
foractual
a syringe
shortly
multistage start showing
level. machines.
full of water.
actual level.
5 . Once
2. the
One batch Add humidity
a small amount
of solution becomes
One ofbatch stable,
can be used for fiveand
water toof calibrate
solution
the salt
ma- can be 3used for five ma- 4
your sensorshake to the
well. expected
chines.
Dry value
bulb for the ma-
chines.3. When the salt becomes sticky (it will stick to the Approximate wet bulb temperature (°F)
chine temperature
bottle) the solution at thetemperature
istime
ready(see to use. Table).
Turn off the
Dry bulb Approximate wet bulb temperature (°F)
temperature
It6.isRemove the bottle toIt finish
is good calibration,
practice toturn this(actual
repeat Sodium calibration Magnesium nitrate
humidity alarm of the machine.
good
4. Screw practice to repeat
the bottle
(actual this
to the fitting
machine
calibration
above the
machine Magnesium
Sodium Chloride
on the alarm and run the
every
every set for single stage machines and every
humidity sensor. The machine
set
temperature)
humidity for normally.
single
reading will Hu-
stage machines
chloride and
temperature) every hexahydrate Nitrate Hexahydrate
midity
month will shortly
stabilise oncestart showing
themonth foractual
salt solution multistage
has reachedlevel. machines. 100 92.5
forincubation
multistage machines.
temperature 100(about an hour). 92.5 83.5 83.5
One 5. batch of solution can be
Once the humidity becomes stable, calibrate
used for five ma- 99.5 92.0 83.0
chines.
Dry bulb your sensor to the expected Dry
99.5bulb value for the 92.0 98.5 wet bulb
Approximate 83.0 82.2(°F)
91.0temperature
machine temperature Approximate
temperature
at the time (see Table). wet bulb temperature (°F)
temperature 98.5 91.0 98.0 90.5 82.2 81.8
It (actual
is good practice (actual
to repeat Sodium machine
this calibration Sodium
Magnesium nitrate Magnesium nitrate
machine 98.0 90.5 81.8
every set for single stage temperature)
machines
chloride and every chloride
hexahydrate First published hexahydrate
temperature) in International Hatchery Practice
month for multistageAmachines. 100 92.5
service to hatchery personnel 92.583.5from Aviagen 83.5
www.aviagen.com
100 Hatchery Tips Page 13
Dry
99.5bulb 99.5 92.0 92.0ational Hatchery Practice 30.2 83.0
First published in Intern83.0
high humidity levels and at incubation temperature, condensation on
the walls and pipework is almost unavoidable, and the water soon drip
down to the floor. The best way to prevent the humidity building to suc
a high level is to open the dampers slightly once the setter is up to
temperature, leaving it very slightly open for the first 24 hours of
incubation. Once the dampers are closed, the humidity will build again
so it is usually best to start ventilating the setter after day seven of in-
cubation at the latest.
TIP 12 Once single stage setters are being ventilated, or in a hatchery which
Keep Setter Floors Dry uses multi stage setters, then the floors should always be dry. If water
is seen on the floors, then action needs to be taken to stop it. Wet floo
in incubators can be caused by:
l Leaking connections to the cooling pipes, the humidity spray nozzle
Wet setter floors are often seen in hatcheries. or Staff do
solenoids. Wet floors in incubators can be caused by:
not usually pay much attention, and often think they
l Pinholes • in theLeaking
copperconnections
cooling pipes.
to the cooling pipes, the
are unavoidable.
l Condensation humidity
from thespray
cooling pipesororsolenoids.
nozzles solenoids – especially if the
Wet floors can have several negative effects on incubation • is set
Pinholes in thenecessary.
copper cooling pipes.
water
conditions and chick quality. Firstly, water will evaporatechiller colder than
• Condensation from the cooling pipes or
off the open water surface, causing localisedl Catching troughs
cooling or gutters not in place, blocked or leaking.
solenoids – especially if the water chiller is set
of the surface. The rising water vapour will l Spray
then hit nozzles colder
not functioning properly.
than necessary.
the eggs placed on the lower egg trays. This has a • Catching troughs or gutters not in place,
cooling effect on these eggs slowing down their embryo
Most of the aboveblocked
causesorhave
leaking.
to do with maintenance and can be
development compared to eggs in other positions • Spray nozzles preventative
not functioning properly. plan in place
avoided
in the setter. In addition, with machine temperatures by having an effective maintenance
around 100ºF (37.8ºC) the wet warmth provides an Most of the above causes have to do with maintenance
ideal environment for promoting the growth of mouldStanding water
and on
can the
be floor
avoided ofbya single
having stage
an setterpreventative
effective at the end of th
and bacteria – especially on wet surfaces. The sealed maintenance plan in place.
waterperiod.
vapour can also carry bacteria and mould spores which
can settle on the egg shell or penetrate through micro
fissures in the shell into the egg. In other words eggs on
the bottom of a machine with a wet floor will be cooler
and in danger of becoming contaminated.
With some single stage setters, especially if they are
sealed for most of the first half of incubation, it is very
difficult to avoid wet floors and walls. The eggs release
moisture through the egg shell, and in a well sealed
incubator humidity builds up to very high levels. At these
very high humidity levels and at incubation temperature,
condensation on the walls and pipework is almost
unavoidable, and the water soon drips down to the
floor. The best way to prevent the humidity building to
such a high level is to open the dampers slightly Figure 1 Standing water on the floor of a single stage setter at
once to hatchery
A service personnel from Aviagen www.aviagen.c
the setter is up to temperature, leaving it very slightly the end of the sealed period.
open for the first 24 hours of incubation. First published in Interna tional Ha tchery Practice volume 30.3
Once the dampers are closed, the humidity will build

again, so it is usually best to start ventilating the setter
after day seven of incubation at the latest.
Once single stage setters are being ventilated, or
in a hatchery which uses multi stage setters, then
the floors should always be dry. If water is seen on
the floors, then action needs to be taken to stop it.

13 chicks – the CO2 level in the room should
not go over 2000ppm.
The chicks will be calmer if the chick holding room has dim b
High CO2 level m
in a holding room
sufficient v
Temperature, humidity and air speed all interact to determine

temperature around the chicks. A good ventilation system wil
hot, humid air from around the boxes, without creating a draf
TIP 13 on to the chicks. Air temperature at chick level inside the box
around 30-32°C (86-89.6°F), 60-70% RH.
Keeping Chicks Comfortable
Chicks use behaviour to help control their body temperature,
monitor chick behaviour to know if they are comfortable or no
eir body temperature and rely

Newly hatched chicks can not regulate their body vent temperature
Chicks useisbehaviour
body temperature.
temperature and rely on suitable environmental conditions temperature,The
easy to measure,
optimum
so monitor chick
chick
and highly
to help control theircorrelated
body
vent temperature
behaviour
w
to know if is 39
to keep them comfortable. In an ideal production system, they are comfortable or not. Chick vent temperature is
ep them comfortable. In an
chicks would be moved from hatcher to farm promptly
and quickly. In real production systems there canl
(103-105°F).
easy to measure, and highly correlated with deep body
beChicks that are too
temperature. Thecold, vent chick
optimum temperature below 39.4°C
vent temperature is (
moved from hatcher to farm

several hours between take off and when the chicks
are placed on the farm.
start to39.4-40.5°C
l Chicks
huddle and (103-105°F).
• atChicks
have cold legs and feet.
correctthat
temperature
are too cold,are quiet
vent and evenly spread
temperature
stems there can be several

The best first week mortality and post-hatch performance
l Chicks that are39.4°C
below too hot, abovestart
(103°F), 40.5°C (105°F),
to huddle start panti
and have
will be seen from chicks kept in good conditions between cold legs and feet.
leaving the hatcher and placement on the farm. Suitable • Chicks at correct temperature are quiet and
ks are placed on the farm.Chick
room conditions are:
•
vent temperature measurements can be used to check
evenly spread out.
comfort in hatchers, chick rooms, in chick trucks and during
Room air temperature 22-28°C (depending on • Chicks that are too hot, above 40.5°C (105°F),
air speed around the boxes). two days of start
brooding. Chicks should be sampled throughout
panting.
• Relative humidity 50-65%. where they
Chickare
ventbeing held and
temperature from near the
measurements cantop, middle
be used to and
• 85m3 fresh air per hour per 1000chicks – the check chick comfort in hatchers, chick rooms, in chick
CO2 level in the room should not go over
chick box stacks. Pay particular attention to areas:
trucks and during the first two days of brooding. Chicks
2000ppm. l Where chicks
should are observed
be sampled to be
throughout thepanting or huddling.
area where they are
l Where there is fast air movement around the chick
being held and from near the top, middle and bottomboxes.
of chick box stacks. Pay particular attention to areas:
l Near walls and doors.
• Where chicks are observed to be panting or
huddling.
• Where there is fast air movement around the
A good layochick
ut forboxes.
a chick holding room with well spaced bug
• Near walls and doors.
Figure 1 High CO2 level measured in a holding room with

insufficient ventilation.
The chicks will be calmer if the chick holding room has
dim blue light. Temperature, humidity and air speed all
interact to determine the temperature around the chicks.
A good ventilation system will remove hot, humid air from
High CO2 level measured

around the boxes, without creating a draft directly on to
the chicks. Air temperature at chick level inside the box Figure 2 A good layout for a chick holding room with well
should be around 30-32°C (86-89.6°F), 60-70% RH.
in a holding room withA service
in- to hatchery personnel from Aviagen
spaced buggies.
www.a
First published in Interna tional Ha tchery Practice vPage
olume 15
30.4
sufficient ventilation
Hatchery Tips
Periods where eggshell temperat
delay the hatch and can also incr
and damage chick quality. A furth
TIP 14 issue when eggs are set cold into
Pre-Warming Eggs warm, humid incubator is that the
may ‘sweat’. This surface conden
14
Single-stage setters are very popular nowadays, but sation will increase the likelihood
there are still a lot of multi-stage setters in use. In normal
circumstances, multi-stage setters are very stable, with bacteria getting into the egg and
PRE-WARMING
EGGS
a lot of the heat needed coming from the older embryos.
For this reason, they are not usually equipped with causing rots and bangers.
as much setters
Single-stage heatingare or
verycooling capacitybut
popular nowadays, asthere
is needed
are still a by
lot
ofsingle-stage setters.
multi-stage setters in use.InIn some circumstances,
normal circumstances, this lack
multi-stage
setters are verycapacity
of heating stable, withcan
a lotbeof the heat needed coming
a disadvantage. from and
Hatch the
To minimise temperature shock a

older
chickembryos.
quality Forcan
this be
reason,
badlytheyaffected
are not usually equipped
if eggs are not withpre-
as
much
warmedheatingbefore
or cooling capacity
they as is needed by single-stage setters.
are set.
In some circumstances, this lack of heating capacity can be a
Figure 1 below
disadvantage.
around
not
Hatch and
five days
pre-warmed
shows shell can
chick quality
incubation,
before they
temperatures of ifeggs
be badly affected
are set. immediately after a new
at
eggs are
warmed to the setter room tempe
To minimise temperature shock and sweating, eggs
batch of eggs had been added to a multi-stage setter.
Fig.
The1 below shows
red line shell temperatures
shows temperature of changes
eggs at around
whenfivethe
daysnew
in- setting.
should be pre warmed to the setter room temperature
(75-79°F, 23.9-26.1°C) before setting.
cubation,
eggs were immediately after a new
set directly frombatch
the ofegg
eggsstore
had been added
(59°F, to a
15°C).
multi-stage
The bluesetter. The red the
line shows line shows
muchtemperature
less severe changes
impactwhen the
when • Move eggs from the egg store to the setter
new eggs were set directly from the egg store (59°F, 15°C). The blue
the new eggs had been pre-warmed before they were room 6-8 hours before setting. Leave 20cm
line shows the much less severe impact when the new eggs had been
set. When eggs were set cold, then egg shell temperature
pre-warmed before they were set. When eggs were set cold, then egg
dropped by 9.0°F (5.1°C),
l Move eggs from the egg store
gaps between trolleys and away from walls, so
shell temperature dropped by 9.0°Fand tookand
(5.1°C), four hours
took to return
four hours to re- that air can circulate easily.
to optimum
turn incubation
to optimum incubation temperature.
temperature setting.
• Leave 20cm gaps betwee
Run ceiling fans to create air circulation though
the eggs (avoid blowing air directly onto them).
101
that air can circulate easily.
The thermal image, below, shows uneven
Eggshell temperature (°F)
99 eggshell temperatures in trolleys after pre-

97 warming without forced air circulation.
95
93
91
89
With pre-warming
Without pre-warming
l
87
16.05 16.35 17.05 17.35 18.05 18.35 19.05 19.35 20.05 20.35 21.05 c
FFigure
ig. 1. Egg1shEggshell
iimmediately
ell tempertemperature
mmediately afafter
ter mmore
ature changechanges
ore egeggs
gs areare
s in part-iin
setset
eitheither
ncupart-incubated
bated eggs eggs
er fromfrom
the cthe
old cold
storestore
or aftor
er
b
pafter
re-wapre-warming.
rming.
Periods where eggshell temperatures are low
th
Periods where eggshell temperatures are low (< 99.0°F, 37.2°C) will
(< 99.0°F,
delay the hatch37.2°C)
increase
and damage levels
and can alsowillincrease
of early
chick quality.
delaylevels
the of
hatch and can
early embryo
embryo mortality and damage
A further
also
mortality e
chick
issue whenquality.
into ahumid
warm, warm,
A set
eggs are further
humid
incubator
cold intoissue
incubator
is that
a when eggs are set cold
they is that they may ‘sweat’. p
This
may
sation
surface
‘sweat’.
will increase
of bacteria
bacteria
condensation
This surface conden- will increase the likelihood
the likelihood
getting into the
getting into the egg and
of egg and causing rots and c
bangers.
causing rots and bangers. First published in International Hatchery Practice
ToPage 16 temperature shock and sweating, eggs should be pre-

minimise Hatchery Tips
warmed to the setter room temperature (75-79°F, 23.9-26.1°C) before
setting. A service to hatchery personnel
the machine probe without opening doors or air vents.
Alternatively, higher CO2 levels can be calibrated using a CO2 gas

mixture with a known, certified CO2 concentration while the machine is
empty. These are used to fill a cap or bottle sealed around the sensor
unit. Mixtures with certified CO2 concentrations of 5,000 and
TIP 15 8,000ppm (0.5 and 0.8%) are readily available on the market.
Calibrate CO2 Sensors Regularly
Having calibrated the sensors, you must then make sure that the
machine is still able to support higher levels of CO2. Levels can only
rise if the incubator is well sealed
Most modern single-stage setters and hatchers are
against air leakage. Check that the
well sealed against air leakage. Check that the seals
fitted with carbonseals
dioxidearound doorsautomating
(CO2) sensors, and dampers aredoors
around not worn, and make
and dampers are notsure
worn,that both
and make
adjustment of the machine dampers according to sure that both can be closed tightly. The calibration on
can be closed tightly.
the CO2 accumulated from the developing embryos.
The calibration on damper opening should
damper opening should also be checked. An easy way
also be
This can work well,checked.
but only ifAntheeasy way to are
CO2 sensors checktothat checkthe
thatmachine
the machinecan can be properly
be properly sealed is to
accurate. Sensors which under or over record will result stand inside the empty, powered down incubator with
sealed
in the machine being is toventilated.
incorrectly stand inside the empty,
When this powered
the doors and dampersdown incubator
closed. If you canwith thelight,
see any
doors
happens, it can lead and dampers
to gradually closed.
declining chick quality If you can seewillany
the machine light,
not seal the machine will
properly.
and hatchability.
not seal properly.
The first step is to make sure that the CO2 sensors
High CO2 levels will not of themselves improve hatchability
or chick quality. However, measuring CO2 build up can
are all reading correctly. Prolonged exposure to high be a useful tool to show when a machine needs fresh
humidity levels during sealed incubation, and to chick air. For this to work consistently the sensors need to be
High CO 2 levels will not of themselves improve hatchability or chick
fluff and humidity during hatching or even washing calibrated accurately and the rate that CO2 accumulates
quality.
water can all affect However,
the sensor measuring
or sensor protection CO build
in2the up can
machine mustbe be a useful tool
predictable. to show
If either of these
cap leading to inaccurate readings. The sensors must fail, then ventilation rates will be incorrect.
when a machine needs
be calibrated regularly.
Ideally, the sensorsfresh
shouldair.beFor this toatwork
calibrated low, mid
and high CO2 levels,consistently
proving that thetheysensors
are reading
correctly across the desired range. A simple calibration
can be done usingneed to be calibrated
an electronic meter (which is itself
regularly calibratedaccurately
against known and the rate
standards) that
to check
that both machine and calibration sensor are giving the
same reading at roomCO2CO accumulates inusually
2 levels. This will the be
higher than the 400ppm (0.04%) normal for fresh air;
machine must be
both people and chick embryos will be producing CO2
predictable.
in the building which will drive theIf concentration
either of these up.
However, mid- and high-end values can be checked
fail, then ventilation rates
during incubation only if your calibration instrument
will be
sensor can be inserted intoincorrect.
the incubator next to the
machine probe without opening doors or air vents. Figure 1 The photograph above shows typical CO2 sensors in
Alternatively, higher CO 2 levels can be calibrated
The photograph above shows aclogged
using a CO2 gas mixture with a known, certified CO2
tsetter,
ypicwithaprotected
l Cdust
O2orbyscondensation,
esensor
nsorprotection
s intheasensor
scaps.
ettwilleIf rthe
, pcaps
rotebecome
cted
give an artificially
concentration while the b y sensisorempty.
machine proteThese
ctionarecaps.high
If treading.
he caps become clogged with dust or
used to fill a cap or bottle sealed around the sensor
condensation, the sensor will give an artificially high reading.
unit. Mixtures with certified CO2 concentrations of 5,000
and 8,000ppm (0.5 and 0.8%) are readily available on
the market. A service to hatchery personnel from Aviagen www.aviagen.com
Having calibrated the sensors, you must then make
sure that the machine is still able to Fsupport
irst publishigher
hed in Interna tional Ha tchery Practice volume 30.6
levels of CO2. Levels can only rise if the incubator is

the machine probe from outside the setter door. In situations lik
it is not possible to find a close location, the only way to achiev
satisfactory calibration reading is to look for a reachable positio
runs at a similar temperature to that around the machine senso
When looking for such a position, the machine should be fully l

and turned to the calibration position following manufacturer’s
suggestion. Machine doors and seals should be checked and
TIP 16 maintained as necessary to avoid false readings due to air leak
Temperature Calibrationsingle-stage Probesmachines, check between days 2 and 3. For mult
machines, check at least 24 hours after the last set. First, the m
probe should be calibrated properly. For this purpose it is worth
extra trouble to place the calibration probe right next to the ma
It is important to check and calibrate the temperature extra trouble to place the calibration probe right next
sensors in setters and hatchers regularly, using probe,a however
to the difficult
machine this may
probe, be. After
however completing
difficult this may an be.accur
calibrationAfter
calibration probe which is accurate to 0.2°F, and readable at the sensor, an
completing place the calibration
accurate calibration at probe in differen
the sensor,
to 0.1°F. With regular calibration we start to see benefits
positions toplace
findthe calibration
a spot whichprobe
runsinatdifferent
the same positions to find
temperature as
in consistency and predictability between machines, a spot which runs at the same temperature as next to
because their temperatures are exactly the same. the sensor. Each time the probe is moved, allow
the sensor. Each time the probe is moved, allow the the machine to
Today, with advancing technology, we have normally a great for at leastto one
machine hour before
run normally for atreading
least onethe temperature.
hour before
the machine
opportunity to use new, more accurate tools to calibrate reading
probetheand
temperature. When
calibration the machine
probe readings probe
are and
similar (
setters and hatchers. It is possible now to buy reliable calibration probe readings are similar (less than ±0.2°F
and difference),
±0.2°F difference), drill a hole in the wall or roof to allow the the c
drill a hole in the wall or roof to allow
accurate calibration thermometers (accuracy of ±0.2°F)
sensor
at an affordable price. However, it can be a challenge to to be insertedsensor
calibration at thatto point. Onceatyou
be inserted thathave Oncethe be
found
point.
check inyou
get the calibration probe into the right place toposition one machine, the same location can be usedthefor all
have found the best position in one machine,
the machine sensor. In principle, the best place to put same location can be used for all the other machines
machines of
the calibration probe is right beside the machine probe.
of that
thattype
typeandandcapacity.
capacity.
Unfortunately, this may not be possible if the probe
does not have a long lead to reach into the machine.
For this reason, probes are often inserted through a
specially drilled hole to just inside the machine door,
without first checking how closely the temperature there
corresponds to the temperature next to the machine
sensor. To achieve a proper calibration, the calibration
probe has to be placed at a location which is consistently
within 0.2°F points of the air temperature at the machine
probe. Without doubt, a position next to the machine
probe will give the best accuracy. Unfortunately, some
calibration devices have very short cables and simply will
not reach to the machine probe from outside the setter
A haole dFigure
door. In situations like this, if it is not possible to find rilled i1n Athhole
e ddrilled
oor ainnthe
d pdoor
roteand
cteprotected
d with awith
mea tmetal
al plate a
plate allows the insertion of the calibration probe close to the
close location, the only way to achieve a satisfactoryinsertemperature e calibration probe close to the temperatur
tion of thsensor.
calibration reading is to look for a reachable position
which runs at a similar temperature to that around the
machine sensor(s). A service to hatchery personnel from Aviagen www.avi
When looking for such a position, the machine should First published in Interna tional Ha tchery Practice volume 30.7
be fully loaded and turned to the calibration position
following manufacturer’s suggestion. Machine doors
and seals should be checked and maintained as
necessary to avoid false readings due to air leakage.
For single-stage machines, check between days 2 and
3. For multistage machines, check at least 24 hours
after the last set. First, the machine probe should be
calibrated properly. For this purpose it is worth the First published in International Hatchery Practice

against a wide range of micro-organisms; it forms a dry gas so does
not wet the egg surface; and it is harmless to the paused embryo in the
fertile hatching egg. It is also cheap. However, a variety of alternative
disinfectants are being suggested.
TIP
Any 17 product needs to give a satisfactory kill rate of the
alternative
micro-organisms
Assessing Alternative on the shellHatching surface, ideally Eggwithout
Disinfectantswetting the egg
shell. It needs to be gentle enough not to damage the cuticle covering
the egg shell – with no cuticle left the eggs are more open to internal
Hatching eggs need to have the shell surface disinfected hatch potential of the eggs going into each treatment.
contamination
at some point betweenafter treatment
the farm – This
and the hatchery. and is it Always
needs haveto be safe
a control forwhere
treatment, the eggs
embryo
are given
inside the
this was doneegg.
good practice and often a legal requirement. Traditionally
using formaldehyde gas, but there are
your current standard treatment. To set up this sort of
trial you could:
increasingly stringent regulations making its use on
farms and in the hatchery more difficult. • Put alternate setter trays from every collection
into treatments A or B as they are packed.
When offered
Formaldehyde an alternative
is a difficult hatching
disinfectant to replace. It is egg
• treatment, always ask
Or compare eggs packed Monday, Wednesday
very effective against a wide range of micro-organisms; and Friday with those packed Tuesday,
questions.
it forms a dryWhatgas so doesis the active
not wet the eggingredient?
surface; How is the treatment
Thursday and Saturday.
and it is harmless to the paused embryo in the fertile
delivered?
hatching egg.Does It is alsoitcheap.
needHowever,
to bea dissolved
variety of
•
in water? What percentage of
Or even compare whole houses, but switch the
treatments at intervals so each house is its own
alternative disinfectants are being suggested.
theAnymicro-organisms on the egg shell will it kill? Most suppliers will be
alternative product needs to give a satisfactory
control.
Aim to use at least 2,000 eggs per treatment per run,
able to
kill rate answer
of all these
the micro-organisms on questions,
the shell surface,butand
ideally without wetting the egg shell. It needs to be
may have
to repeat eachmore trouble
comparison at least with the
10 times over
a range of flock ages.
most
gentleimportant one. “This
enough not to damage product
the cuticle covering the
egg shell – with no cuticle left the eggs are more open
killsWithout
bacteriathis sorton the egg
of careful shellyou–willcan
comparison, never
you prove to me that it won’t kill the embryo
to internal contamination after treatment – and it needs really know
inside the egg shell?”
whether the treatment is giving you results
that you expect, has made things worse or (very rarely)
to be safe for the embryo inside the egg.
given better hatch or chick quality.
When offered an alternative hatching egg treatment,
To be confident that the chemical,
always ask questions. What is the active ingredient? How
is the treatment delivered? Does it need to be dissolved
or the method of application, will
in water? What percentage of the micro-organisms on
the egg shell will it kill? Most suppliers will be able to
support good hatchability, you
answer all these questions, but may have more trouble
with the most important one. “This product kills bacteria
need to see trial results (or run
on the egg shell – can you prove to me that it won’t kill
the embryo inside the egg shell?”
your
To beown).
confidentWhenthat theyou startor the
chemical, to method
think of
application, will support good hatchability, you need to
about
see trialexisting
results (or rundifferences
your own). When you start to think
between flocks, the between egg
about existing differences between flocks, between egg
collections through day, egg storage conditions and
collections through the day, egg
even individual incubators, it is obvious that the trials will
need to be carefully designed, will need to take account A fumigation cabinet.
Figure 1 A fumigation cabinet.
storage
of a lot of conditions
variables and and
should useeven
a lot of eggs.
starting point, trials should include eggs from young,
As a
individual
prime and oldincubators,
flocks – old flocksitareis obvious
probably that the trials will need to be carefully
the most
vulnerable to mistreatment of any kind. Trials should be
designed,
repeated, andwill needbetodesigned
they should taketoaccount
equalise the of a lot of variables and should use
a lot of eggs. As a starting point, trials should include eggs from young,
prime and old flocks – old flocks are probably the most vulnerable to
POSITIONING
ER BUGGIES
18air thenscenario
either drawn down
if thethrough
hatcherthebuggies
hatcherare
baskets
leaving too much gap between them some of the airH
pressure area below the fans. Both systems work
back to
not position
well.
either scenario if the hatcher buggies are not positioned
as an easy path of return to the fans, depriving some
leaving too much gap between them some of the air will
CT POSITIONING baskets of the air they need.
as an easy path of return to the fans, depriving some of t
CHER BUGGIES
y of modern hatchers is calculated by the baskets of the air they need.
One of the
ure that enough fresh air is introduced and waste
common
insideTIP 18 are designed to provide an
the hatchers One of the
problems
common we see
e eggsoformodern
apacity chicks hatchers
in the hatcher baskets.
is calculated When
by the
oset
Correct
ensure that enough
Positioning Of Hatcher in
problems Buggies
hatcheries
we seeis
up, they preventfresh hot air is introduced
spots or CO2 build and wasteup
when the is
in hatcheries
eerheating
fans insideorthe hatchers are
excessively highdesigned to provide
CO2 levels in the an
when theare not stacked correctly at transfer,
baskets
rr all the eggs
broiler or chicks inortheinhatcher
performance extreme baskets.
casesWhen baskets are not stacked
stack to leancorrectly
away atsee
wefrom
transfer,
inthe vertical.is The
rectlyThesetventilation
up, theycapacity
preventof hot spots
modern build allowing
or COis2calculated
hatchers up One the of the common problems hatcheries
nd higher culling rates.
by the manufacturers to ensure that enough fresh above allowing
air thestack
the
clearly
when show
basketsto are
leannot
the away from
consequences
stacked the vertical.
correctly when Theoute
the
at transfer, pai
ks. Overheating
is introduced orand
excessively high CO2The
waste air removed. levels
fans in the allowing the stack to lean away from the vertical. The
inside
above
away pair clearly
from show the
the vertical, consequences
is creating when the
a consequences outer
larger air gap at bu
se poor thebroiler
hatchers performance
are designedortoin extreme
provide cases
an even airflow of pictures above clearly show the
lookand for higher
the path oforleast resistance andbaskets. away
therefore from the vertical, is creating a larger air gap at the
bility over all the eggs
culling chicks
rates. in the hatcher such,whenis lacking
the outerthebuggy,
necessary airflow
leaning away fromthrough
the vertical,the tra
nsideWhenthe everything is correctly set up, they prevent hot
machine it will take the easiest route such,isiscreating
lackinga the necessary
larger air gap at airflow through
the top and, the istrays. T
as such,
spots or CO2 build up around the chicks. Overheating image shows
imagelacking
showsthehow
how this
necessary creates a
airflowathrough
this creates
hot
hot spot
spot in
theintrays. the
Theuppe
the upper rig
ioningorlook
lways the hatcher
for the high
pathbuggies levelsthe
of2 least correct
resistance
hatcherandway,therefore
of
of the hatcher.
excessively CO in the will cause thermal image shows how this creates a hot spot in
poor broiler performance or in extreme cases reduced thethe
hatcher.
upper right hand corner of the hatcher.
ound hatchability
turers’ inside the and
machine
recommendations it willis take the easiest
therefore
higher culling rates.
route to
essential
. Positioning
airflow over the
the hatcher
eggs buggies
or chicks. the correct way,
Moving air will always look for the path of least resistance So
nufacturers’ recommendations
and therefore when pushed around is therefore
inside theessential
machine to
de
eded itairflow
will takeover the eggs
the easiest routeorback
chicks.
to the fans. Positioning
rent the
fanhatcher
arrangements
buggies the in correct
differentway,makesfollowing ofthe ha
sadifferent
centrally fanmounted fan will throw the freshof air
manufacturers’ recommendations is therefore essential ba
to providing arrangements
the needed airflow in over
different
the eggs makes
or chicks.
to
sd with
draw a the
There areair
centrally back
mounted
various in towards
different fan the centre
will throw
fan arrangements the of the
fresh
in different air
hasand thedrawfansthe mounted of
ets makes of air back to
hatcher. Hatchersin pushwith
towards aairtheupwards,
centrallycentre ofwith
mounted the Some older designs of hatcher have baffles installed
fan will throw the fresh air around the baskets and draw (see above).
(see above). In these machines it isit crucial thatthatthe baffle
hrough
esignthehas the
airthehatcher
back fans baskets
mounted
in towards to back
the centre push tofan.
air
of the the A negative
upwards,differentwith toward theInfront these machines
of the sidewalls (see isabove).
crucial In thesethe b
good repair, and that the outer buggies are touching
good thes
he ownfans.
through
designBoth the
has systems
thehatcher work
fans mountedbaskets towell.
back
push However,
airto good machines
inwith
the negative
upwards, repair, and that the
it is crucial thatouter buggies
the baffles arein touching
are kept
air then drawn down through the hatcher baskets back order to to force the air through the hatcher baskets back to
repair, and that the outer buggies are touching these
elow
atcherthe fans. Bothare
thebuggies
negative pressure
systems
not work well. correctly
areapositioned
below the fans.
However,
Both systems
inorder to force
baffles the air
in order through
to force thethrough
the air hatcher baskets ba
the hatcher
fbetween
the hatcher
work them buggies
well. someareof
However, in not
thepositioned
either air will use
scenario ifcorrectly
thethat gap
hatcher baskets back to the fans.
We talk a lot about controlling embryo temperature in the
hurn gaptobuggies
between arethem some
not positioned of the air
correctly will
leavinguse toothat
much gap
We We talk a lot about controlling embryo temperature in the
talk a lot about controlling embryo
the fans, depriving some of the
gap between them some of the air will use that gap as hatcher how overheating
setters, and how between daysbetween
overheating 11 18temperature
anddays affects
11 and 18 not onlin
of return to the fans, depriving some of
an easy path of return to the fans, depriving somehow the hatcher overheating between days 11 and 18but affects
also no
need.
r theytheneed.
of chick
and affectsquality,
not onlybut hatchability
also broilerand chick
growth quality,
and liveability. N
hatcher baskets of the air they need. broiler growth and liveability. New research is showing
and chick
showing quality,
that keeping but also
tight broiler
control ofgrowth
eggshell
that keeping tight control of eggshell temperature in
and liveabili
temperatur
showing
hatcher thatup
the right
hatcher keeping
to the
right up to tight
point control
of external
the point of pipping
eggshell
of external pipping is tempe
critical
is
critical if the best performance in the hatchery and the
hatcher
performance rightinupthetohatchery
the pointand
broiler farm are to be targetted.
of the
external
broilerpipping
farm areis tocrib
e performance in the hatchery and the broiler farm are
A service to hatchery personnel from Aviagen ww
stacked correctly at transfer, A service to hatchery
First publishpersonnel
ed in Interna tional from
Ha tchery Aviagen
Practice volume 30.9
ed correctly at transfer,
ck to lean away from the vertical. The pair of pictures
ean away from the vertical. The pair of pictures First published in Interna tional Ha tchery Practice volume
ow the consequences when the outer buggy, leaning
eertical,
consequences
is creating awhen
largerthe
air outer
gap atbuggy,
the top leaning
and, as First published in International Hatchery Practice
, is necessary
the creating aairflow
largerthrough
air gaptheat trays.
the top and,
The as
thermal
cessary airflow through the trays. The thermal
w this creates a hot spot in the upper right hand corner
and hatchery ventilation systems must
e are two ways to calibrate pressure sensors. The first one is to do
then be designed to deliver the required
range calibration
room static (Span)
pressures. Oncewhich includes the zero and extremes of
in service,
ange covered
air spaces willby thetosensor.
need This method
be monitored with needs some special
pment andpressure
suitable procedures
sensors,and
so is therefore
that the air not always possible to
TIPhatchery
y under
pressure 19 conditions.
can be corrected The second method is to apply only a
as necessary
LIBRATION
onZero
a continuous
calibration.
OF
basis
By this
Calibration
PRES-
(right).
method, the sensor
Of Pressure can be calibrated at neutral
Sensors
NSORS
sure to zero.
There are two ways to calibrate pressure sensors. The first one is to do
Incubators will usually only work properly if there is an air • Or if the sensor has a setup menu, follow the
a full
y only work range
pressure properly
gradientcalibration
if therethe
between is air (Span)
aninlet
airand thewhich
exhaust. includes
pressure the zerotoand
menu instructions extremes
make the reading zero.of
eeair
areinlet
This manyaircovered
and
means the kinds of
exhaust.
that the rooms This
and pressure
means
plenums that the
supplying and
theexhausting
supplying
range
and need to operate
exhausting air
byneed
the
at sensor.
the correct
to operate
This
pressure
at the
method needs some special
The zero point should now be set and, if a display is
present, the display will read zero. A zero calibration
orsequipment
andThe most andofsupplierthemwillhave
procedures and
differential. The incubator supplier will provide the
erential. incubator
specifications needed provide
for their machines,
ahatchery
and the is therefore
should benot always
performed possible
at least once to hatchery
a month. The
environment is potentially a very challenging one, with the
ial
d forbutton,
apply
their under jumper,
machines,
ventilation
to deliver screw or
hatchery
systems must
then be designed
conditions. The second possibility ofmethod
the sensor.
is to
water, chemicals
This can affect
andapply onlyaround
fluff particles
sensor accuracy.
a
Some
ion systems mustroom static
zero
udeliver
to allow
the calibration.
required
zero
the required
pressures. Once
By this method, the sensor
calibration
in service,
cananbeautomated
sensors have calibrated at neutral
zero calibration option,
but it is still wise to check the sensors regularly to see
pressure
mples
s. Once inshown to
air spaces will
service,
monitored
zero.
need to be
right and below).
with suitable
if they are working correctly. Accurate control of static
pressure in the hatchery is critical if the incubators are
to be pressure
monitored with so that
sensors,
erform
nsors,the
There
a
so air
that
corrected
zero
pressure
are many
calibration,
the air can
as necessary
be first
kinds of pressure
on
to work properly. Regular zero calibration of the pressure
sensors will help to make this possible.
ectedaas necessary
vesensors
allcontinuous
the tubes mosttoentering
basis (right). the a
There areand
s (right). two ways of them have
or,special
leaving button,thesensors.
calibrate pressure hose
jumper, screw or
The first one is to do a full
range calibration (Span) which includes the zero and
o calibrate pressure sensors. The first one is to do
ectors
menu
n (Span) vented
extremesto
which allow
of into
the range
includes zero the
covered
the equipment
bysame
calibration
zero and and
the sensor. This
extremes of
method
(examples
needs some special
shown right and
procedures
below). Zero switch.
pace.
the By doing this, the
and is therefore
sensor. This not always
method needs possible
some tospecial
hatchery conditions. The second method is to apply
apply under
edures and
To perform is thereforea zero not always
By calibration, possible to can
first
yence between low pressure
only a zero calibration. this method, the sensor
conditions. The at
be calibrated second
neutral method
pressure is
to to apply only a
zero.
hisremove
high all the tubes entering the
ofpressure tubes
button, will
jumper,be
method,
There arethe sensor
many kindscan be calibrated
of pressure sensorsatand neutral
most Figure 1 Zero switch.
sensor, leaving
them have a special
the(examples
hose shown right). To
screw or menu
Depending
perform a zero on
to allow zero
connectors the
calibration
vented into
calibration, make
first removeof
the same all the tubes
entering the sensor, leaving the hose connectors vented
or, Zero switch.
airand thefollowing the
s of pressure
them space.
into
have
between a low By doing
same air space. By this, thethe difference
doing this,
pressure and high pressure tubes will be
ufacturer’s
er, difference
screw
zero.or
Depending directions
between
on the make low
the manufacturer’s directions either:
either:
pressure
of sensor, and following
alibration
essandand high
ht and• below).
hold
pressure the ‘zero’
tubes will be
Press and hold the ‘zero’ switch for about 4-5
h zero.
libration, Depending seconds.
for• about
Or set the 4-5
seconds.
first on the make of
jumper for zero calibration option and
sensor,
entering
roseset holdand
the for 4-5following the
• the jumper forthezero
seconds.
Or turn the screw until display shows zero. Figure 2 Menu driven zero calibration.
manufacturer’s directions either:
ration
to the same option and hold for 4-5 . First published in International Hatchery Practice
his,l thePress and hold the ‘zero’Zero switch

nds.
owswitch
Hatchery Tips
pressurefor about 4-5 seconds.
Page 21
TIP 20
Balancing A Set In Single Stage Setters
Although the optimal eggshell temperature for maximum Embryo (eggshell) temperature will be cooler where
hatch and chick quality is in the range 37.8-38.3°C (or eggs have a lower heat production and these chicks will
100-101°F), it is not always easy to keep within this hatch later and some of them may be culled because
range in a commercial setter. One of the most common they are still wet and lethargic at take-off.
causes of uneven temperatures is when the eggs are Embryo temperature will be hotter where eggs have a
loaded into the setter without allowing for differences higher heat production causing chicks to hatch earlier,
in their potential heat output or when gaps in the set with some of them getting dehydrated before pulling. If
allow air to short circuit the optimal path. eggshell temperature goes to a very high level, 103°F or
Nowadays, more and more hatcheries install enormous above, hatchability and chick quality will be depressed.
setters, to save space and cost. Depending on the Here are some tips to balance egg loading in the setter:
make, there will be one air temperature sensor in each
setter or in each sub-section of it. In principle, the • As a good start, follow the recommendations
sensor controls heating and cooling to keep the air from the incubator manufacturers.
temperature within the machine set-points and keep • When you have to mix egg sources in a setter,
eggshell temperature within the optimal range. For this always choose the ones from similar flock ages
to work properly embryo heat production needs to be and with similar fertility.
spread evenly throughout the setter and all the eggs • Put eggs closest to average next to the
affected by a temperature sensor should be of similar temperature sensors.
size and fertility. Unfortunately in the real world parent • When you can not completely fill a setter,
flock sizes are often variable and never match the always set the eggs in a pattern which will not
setter capacities available. A large setter will have to be change the normal air flow or cause short-cuts
filled using eggs from more than one parent flocks, or of air flow in the setter. Fill any gaps with empty
sometimes run partially full. If not managed carefully, it trays or trollies.
is very easy to create an unbalanced loading pattern. • Always check eggshell temperature and its
The heat output of a batch of eggs will depend on evenness if you try a new egg loading pattern.
several factors. It is important to take these into account
when deciding where to put each batch of eggs in a
large setter.
• Egg size. Large eggs produce large embryos,
which produce more total heat per egg.
• Flock age. Eggs from flocks under 30 weeks
tend to produce less heat per egg than would
be expected for their size.
• Fertility. There are more eggs with live embryos
when fertility is higher. If a flock is more fertile,
heat production per 1,000 eggs will be higher.
Unbalanced egg loading in the setter may exaggerate
variability in eggshell temperature (especially after 12
days of incubation) and consequently widen the hatch
window and cause poor chick quality.

TIP 21
Check Hatching Egg Quality with UV Light
Hatching egg quality has a significant impact on

hatchability and chick quality. Not every problem with
the egg shell can be seen with the naked eye, but a
device in your pocket can help you go beyond that
biological limit. A UV flash light can be an invaluable
tool to help identify egg shell hygiene issues.
Many hatcheries receive only a limited history of the
eggs delivered from the farms. However, wiped, washed,
scraped or otherwise cleaned eggs can cause serious
contamination issues in a hatchery. Even when eggs
are put through selection and grading on arrival, some Figure 3 Poor spray sanitation. Figure 4 Scraping.
problematic eggs can still go undetected on a simple
visual assessment. If we can find these eggs, segregating Avoid looking into the UV light directly; this can cause
and setting them in a separate incubator or at least serious eye damage. Just like any other type of UV
setting them in the bottom trays, can help a lot to avoid lights, LED UV light sources have a finite life span.
contamination. Change the torch when it becomes difficult to see the
A UV flashlight can be used to identify: colour differences.
If a monitoring system is set up to do regular random
• Washed eggs
checks for all flocks, the information generated can
• Sprayed eggs
provide a timely feedback or warning to increase the
• Wiped eggs
focus on egg selection on farm.
• Scraped/physically cleaned eggs
• Dirty/floor eggs
Using a UV light is very easy. A pocket size UV torch
with 395nm wavelength is sufficient to identify the main
issues. You do need a dark environment when doing
an investigation. Direct the UV light source on the eggs
and try to find shiny and different looking eggs. Some
examples of problem eggs are shown below, with the
cause identified:
Figure 1 Floor egg. Figure 2 Dirty egg. First published in International Hatchery Practice

TIP 22
What is the best temperature for storing eggs?
Most hatchery planners aim to keep egg age under 7 comparison of the three storage temperatures. The trial
days at set. However, even in broiler hatcheries this is was repeated over four batches of eggs, from young,
not always easy, or even possible. You may need to prime and old flocks.
build up numbers so that a single broiler unit can be The graph below shows how eggs stored at 18°C
filled using eggs from only one breeder flock, order hatched worse than those stored at 15°C by an average
sizes may not be exactly even day to day or there may of 4.4% over 4 comparisons covering young, prime and
be a general slowdown in the market for seasonal or older flock ages. In contrast, when hatch of eggs stored
other reasons. Most advice on egg storage conditions at 12°C was compared with hatch of eggs stored at
suggests that the temperature should be adjusted 15°C, there was no overall improvement.
dynamically depending on the average egg age. However,
in practice the advice is seen as too complicated and
is rarely followed. Consequently, in many operations
egg storage temperature stays firmly at 17-18°C, no
matter what the egg age. In fact, the best advice is
that egg store temperature should always be adjusted
downwards to be optimal for the oldest eggs. Fresh
eggs hatch just as well stored at colder temperatures,
but older eggs suffer badly if the egg store is held too
warm. The only thing you need to watch out for is the
possibility of condensation when moving eggs from the
cold egg store into the setter rooms.
Keeping eggs which need to be stored for longer at a
lower temperature slows down the physical deterioration
to the albumen and yolk membranes which are needed
to support the best hatchability. The embryo will also be
affected by both storage time and storage temperature,
and colder storage slows down the rate of deterioration
in the embryo as well. A recent collaborative study
between Aviagen and Ankara University investigated
the effect of storage temperature on hatchability in
eggs stored for 14 days, as part of a larger investigation Our conclusion from these trials was that unless eggs
into how SPIDES treatments interacted with storage are only being set when very fresh (no more than 4
temperatures. In the study, covering young, prime days old) it is probably better to run egg stores at
and old grandparent flocks, hatchability was much 15°C rather than 18°C. When setting eggs within
better when 14-day-old eggs were stored at 15°C the hatchery condensation is unlikely to be a problem
rather than 18°C. More unexpectedly, eggs stored at following storage at 15°C, but if you are worried check
12°C hatched no better than those stored at 15°C. the dew point table in Investigating Hatchery Practice
The hatchery where the trials were done is unusual to make sure.
in having three separately controlled egg stores, so it
was possible to run comparisons of the three storage
temperatures simultaneously which gave a very robust

TIP 23
Egg Yolk Mottling
Levels of mottling in egg yolks seem to be quite high at and raw materials in the feed mill will be helpful, along
the moment. Mottling is something that is often identified with a review of the birds’ behavior. This should include
when there are reports of high levels of very early dead periods of observation in the house, watching the
embryos, or particularly poor hatch after egg storage birds feeding, selecting nests to lay in and during peak
longer than 4-5 days. Opening candled clear eggs mating times.
shows that there is very little embryo development. But
unlike infertile eggs, often the yolk membrane has broken
and the yolk is mingled with the albumen.
Examining fresh eggs usually shows that fertility is normal
for the flock age, but that the yolk surface looks different
– there are areas of the yolk that look translucent in mild
cases (picture 1) but a tan color in more severe ones
(picture 2). This is due to changes in the membrane
around the yolk which allow water to collect between
the layers. This makes the yolk more fragile, and less
able to support normal embryo development.
It is normal to see some mottling, which will get worse as
eggs age. It will not necessarily be easy to see in fresh
eggs on the breeder farm. However, if the incidence of
Figure 1
candled clear eggs is higher than expected and fertility is
normal, it is worth checking eggs carefully for mottling.
Mottling can be caused by a variety of factors affecting the
breeder hens. One of the best known is contamination of
the feed with Nicarbazine (or an anticoccidial containing
Nicarbazine). Wormers such as Piperazine can cause
mottling, as can gossypol from cottonseed meal (above
0.005%) or tannins from sorghum (above 1%). Yolk
mottling also tends to be high in years where fungal
diseases in wheat and maize cause a high or erratic
mycotoxin burden in finished feed.
Management factors which put the birds under stress
can also cause them to lay eggs with mottled yolks.
Over mating is a surprisingly common cause – which
tends to escalate if the candled clears are perceived to Figure 2
be due to poor fertility, triggering early or over generous
spiking. The bird handling necessary for taking blood
or swab samples can also cause a rise in mottling.
Sometimes the cause of mottling is not immediately
obvious. In this case, a review of the feed formulation

TIP 24
Mantain the fans in your Setters and Hatchers
Incubators sold by the various manufacturers have start up. This can cause the fan to slow down. If
a range of fan designs. However, the fans all have the belt is too tight it will grind into the pulley and
the same function, which is to move fresh air into the wear out more quickly.
cabinet, and to provide an airflow pattern within the filled b. Pulley size, condition and alignment – a worn pulley
cabinet which is balanced and of sufficient airspeed should be replaced using one of the same size.
over all of the eggs or chicks to keep them at their Once in place, the fan belt should sit in the pulley
optimal temperature. groove, with its top surface level with the edge.
Regular and effective maintenance is crucial if the fans If the belt sits proud or inset, either it is worn, or
are to deliver the right amount of air in the right places the wrong belt is being used. Make sure that the
and at the right speed. There are several aspects of pulleys are in a straight line.
fan set up, wear and (lack of) maintenance which will c. Belt worn out – fan belts tend to become brittle,
cause the fans to need attention. glazed or cracked. Belts are relatively cheap, so
Fan blade damage – if the fans are bent or dented, replace them regularly as part of a preventative
they will not deliver optimal airflow. Damaged blades maintenance programme.
should be replaced as soon as possible. d. The rating of the fan motor – when replacing a failed
Fan positioning is important, and problems can be or failing motor, make sure that it has the correct
seen after a fan has been replaced if it is not positioned specification to be an exact replacement. Check
correctly. This is especially important when the fan that the voltage supplied to the new fan is correct.
needs to be mounted in a fan housing. The fan must
be mounted at the correct height within the housing, Fan cleanliness – especially in multistage machines
so that the air can only move in the desired direction. and hatchers dust, dirt and chick fluff can settle on and
If the fan is mounted slightly above the housing, air will stick to the fan blade edges, making them less efficient.
tend to escape to the sides. This should be cleaned off regularly. If the water used
The fan must always be for humidification has a high mineral content, a hard
mounted centrally within the residue can form on the fan blades, again making
housing – if it is offset then them less efficient. The residue should be removed
a ‘blow-by’ effect can be carefully, making sure that the blade is not deformed
caused, where some air is in the process.
sucked back away from the
desired airflow. Make sure
that the fan is pushing the
air in the correct direction.
Figure 1 Clean fan blades, well centred fan and correct height.
Fan speeds need to be checked regularly using a

suitable tachometer. Regular maintenance should be
set up to check:-
a. Belt tension – too loose and the rubber belt will
slip on the metal pulley - listen for a squeal on Figure 2 Incorrect fan belt Figure 3 Worn fan belt.
sitting low in the pulley.
TIP 25
Be Careful When you Change
to Difffenet Fans in an Incubator
One fundamental factor for hatching good quality The new fans increased air speed by an average of
chicks is having the correct eggshell temperature (EST) 0.5m/s. However, the average EST increased, with the
throughout incubation. The incubator is set up to control hottest area moving from the bottom of the machine
air temperature, which is not the same as EST. Two to the top.
factors make the two temperatures diverge –the heat
production of the embryos as they grow and develop,
and the ability of the air moving through the machine
to take up and remove surplus heat. Embryo heat
production increases rapidly after 10 days of incubation
and then plateaus briefly at 17-18 days of incubation at
around 138mW/egg. Air movement within the setter
plays an important role in removing surplus heat from
around the eggs, its effectiveness driven mostly by air
speed between the setter trays.
In reality, air speed varies within the setter. Eggs located
in a position with low air speed, will have higher eggshell
temperature in the last week of incubation than eggs
located where air speed is higher. It can be a big
challenge to achieve even air speed (and hence eggshell
temperature) in the setters in many hatcheries.
A possible way to get more uniform air speed in the
setter could be by replacing existing fans with stronger
ones or simply by speeding up the existing fans.
Average air speed in the setter will be increased by
either modification. But in making the change to the
fan speed, air speed within the incubator may become The EST area plots show that despite the higher air
even less uniform. speed, the average EST was higher, with more eggs
falling into the band above 102F which is where problems
In a European hatchery with fixed-rack multi-stage of quality may be expected to start.
incubators, the manager was not satisfied with eggshell
temperature and its uniformity. She thought that the In a setter, air doesn’t always take the route we expect.
original propeller fans were not strong enough to deliver Setting pattern, egg size and even turning angle can
the air all the way down to the floor. In trial machines, affect airflow - air always goes by the easiest route
the fans were replaced with stronger axial fans. To where there are fewer or no obstacles. On the other
everyone’s surprise, they saw no improvements in chick hand, resistance increases as air speed goes up and
quality and hatchability. this relationship is not linear.
In fact, the stronger fans made things worse: the So, the airflow pattern in the setter can be very tricky.
machine became too cold at floor level and too hot When we try to change ventilation inside of the setter,
higher up. During the experiment, air speed in the two we should always evaluate the change by checking
trial setters was measured with a hot-wire anemometer how actual eggshell temperature changes. Information
and eggshell temperature was measured with Tiny Tag about how to measure eggshell temperatures can be
temperature loggers. found in Aviagen Hatchery How To No. 6.
TIP 26
Analyzing Egg Handling with a Thermal Imaging Camera
Thermal imaging cameras used to be large, heavy and that the situation is occurring and the problem would
very expensive. In the last few years smaller, much only be detected when pre- incubation is seen when
more affordable versions have become available, often opening fresh eggs.
as attachments for a mobile phone. This has opened Thermal imaging can also be useful to show if the eggs
up new possibilities for investigating egg handling and are being boxed while they are still warm, which can also
holding conditions. cause pre-incubation in the farm or during transport.
Allowing hatching eggs to cool down promptly and Eggs should always be allowed to cool down before
evenly, and to stay cool, is very important if the eggs being boxed into cardboard boxes. Cardboard is an
are to hatch well. Starting when eggs are collected effective thermal insulator and will slow cooling of the
from the nests, we need to make sure that embryo eggs if they are put into the boxes still warm. Figure 3
development is completely paused. Do we really know shows eggs that weren’t allowed to cool down before
if all our fertile eggs are kept under ideal conditions? being boxed. They arrived in the hatchery still warm.
There may be thermometers or temperature sensors In the hatchery, the thermal imaging camera can be
in a farm egg room or hatchery egg room that indicate used to check that a delivery of eggs is at the correct
temperatures in a limited number of locations, but we temperature, and that all the eggs in the delivery are
don’t get a full picture of the thermal environment to of a uniform temperature. Getting this stage right gives
which the eggs are exposed. Nor can we see how the a better hatchability, because all the embryos will be
cooling eggs interact with the environment. properly cooled at the same time. It will also minimize
Thermal imaging has proved to be a valuable tool for the hatch spread within a batch of eggs.
investigating not only the environment where the eggs
are stored but also egg temperature in different locations
within the trolley, egg boxes or pallet.
All objects emit infrared radiation (heat) that is invisible
to the human eye, but can be captured by the thermal
imaging camera. The camera software then converts Figure 1
the temperature into colors depending on the surface Thermal imaging of
temperature. The final result is a picture where each farm storage room
color represents a specific temperature.
Thermal imaging can be used to audit eggs handling
practice and conditions in farms and hatchery egg stores.
Figure 1 shows uneven temperatures in between the
eggs in a farm storage room. The dark blue spots
show the coldest eggs, while the orange eggs are still
warm. In this case we can see that very warm eggs
are brought inside the room and are being stacked
on the top of eggs that are already cold, which can
be a problem - each additional layer of warm eggs Figure 2 Normal imaging Figure 3 Eggs still warm
will re-heat the eggs that have already cooled down. of farm storage room when arrived in the hatchery
Just looking at the egg room (Figure 2) and the read egg room after transport
out of the room thermometer, we would not be aware

TIP 27
Are you Measuring and Calculating
your Chick Yield Correctly?
Most commercial hatcheries nowadays measure and At Transfer

use chick yield as a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to When transferring, make sure to move the labels correctly
evaluate both hatch timing and incubation. But the big to each hatcher basket so that the final chick weight can
question is: Are you recording your chick yield correctly? be associated with the correct initial egg tray weight.
Chick yield is the average weight of the chicks at pull, At Hatch
expressed as a percentage of the average egg weight
at set. It tells you when the eggs are losing enough Chicks should be weighed immediately after they are
water during incubation, and also whether the chicks are removed from the hatcher.
being pulled at the right time at the end of the hatcher Before weighing any chicks, place an empty chick box
period. It is usually measured on sample trays – two on the scales and zero (tare) the display. Skipping this
or three trays per farm per set – and the full procedure step will give an artificially high chick weight.
is described in Hatchery How To Measure Chick Yield It is important to count all the first class chicks from each
which is available on the Aviagen website. labeled hatch basket into the empty box one group at
It is worth auditing the procedure in your hatchery regularly a time. Record the number of chicks and the weight.
to make sure that the method being used is correct, Don’t weigh cull chicks as they will not be typical of
and has not drifted over time, or with changes in staff. first class chicks on the tray, and so will affect the
At the start average weight.
The fresh egg weight is based on the average weight
of the eggs on a full setter tray. The empty tray weight
must be measured and recorded, and subtracted from
the full tray weight every single time. Even in a new
hatchery, tray weights will vary; and, once they have
been topped up to replace damaged units, it is highly
likely that there will be between-tray differences in weight.
Check the eggs on the sample trays before they are
weighed, including a quick pass over a candling table.
Remove and replace any dirty eggs, any with abnormal Calculate average chick weight for each tray:
shells and any broken or hairline-cracked eggs before Average Chick Weight = All Chicks weight in the box
the full tray is weighed. Number of chicks in the box
When setting these trays,
make sure to place them Calculate Chick Yield %:
in different representative Chick Yield% = Average Chick Weight x 100
locations in the setter, Average Fresh Egg Weight
distributed top to bottom
and front to back of the Record all the background details on a spreadsheet,
incubator. Record setter along with the weights and calculated yield. This will
number and location. allow you to check which machines are delivering the
Calculate average fresh egg weight: best chick yield, and to focus attention on the machines
Avg fresh egg weight = weight of full egg trays - weight of empty trays
which need adjustment.
Number of eggs in tray

TIP 28
If you are Heat Treating Stored Eggs to Improve
Hatchability (SPIDES), how Long Should
The Eggs be Kept Warm?
Aviagen’s early SPIDES trials were aimed at defining the When designing a SPIDES programme, for optimal
safe limits for heat treating eggs during storage – how results the treatments should be set up so that the
long, how often and how hot the treatments should be. cumulative EST>32oC is between 5 hours and 15 hours.
In these trials, we held eggs for 21 days, and gave up to
5 treatments during the storage period. We found that
in this situation, individual treatments were best kept as
short as possible. If we pushed the length and number
of treatments too far, hatchability got worse. Chart 1
shows the percentage of lost hatch that was recovered
after different treatment combinations, compared in
terms of the cumulative time the egg shell temperature
was held above 32oC (EST>32oC).
We showed that hatch recovery was achieved in any
treatments where the cumulative time above 32oC was Chart 1 Percentage of lost hatchability due to storage recovered
between 6 and 24 hours, but that the optimum effect after multiple SPIDES treatments.
was seen when the cumulative time above 32oC was
12-15 hours. There was a steady deterioration in the
hatchability recovered for treatments above 15 hours,
which dropped to no benefit when EST >32oC was over
26 hours and almost complete hatch failure when the
cumulative treatment time was 39 hours.
The trial summarised in Chart 1 does not show what
impact, if any, there might be in further shortening the
cumulative exposure time from 6 hours. However, some
recent trials which were performed in collaboration with
Prof Okan Elibol at the University of Ankara have shown
that shorter treatment times can also be suboptimal.
These trials were done using a Petersime® Re-store
cabinet, and a storage period of 14 days. The eggs were
treated once only, on the 5th day of storage, and were
given either 3.5 or 5.5 hours above 32oC EST. There
were three repetitions, using eggs from flock ages of
37, 54 and 55 weeks. There was no fresh egg control
in these trials; so it was not possible to calculate how
much hatch was lost due to storage, or the percentage Figure 1
recovery. However, in each of the three comparisons, a
single exposure of 5-5.5 hours gave a higher hatchability
than the shorter exposure of 3-3.5 hours.

TIP 29
Chick Weight Loss Post Pull
- What is Normal?
Chicks have a natural powerful robust provision when In summary, Figure 1 shows the normal losses under
they hatch, the yolk sac, which keeps them well supplied optimal environmental conditions which keep the chicks
with food and water for a number of days until they start comfortable: around 0.05 g/hour water vapourisation in
consuming feed and drinking water for themselves. After exhaled air. Furthermore, the meconium will leave the
chicks hatch it is normal for them to lose some weight. gut soon after hatch, which means a loss of about 1 g.
Some of that loss will be due to the residual yolk being Then, in addition, chicks have in their yolk sac residual
used up, some will be meconium passed through the yolk of about 3.5 g at hatch, which will be used at a
vent and some will be moisture loss as they breathe. If rate of about 0.06 g per hour. After 24 hours, the chicks
the interval and the environment between take-off and had lost between 9 and 10% of their weight at take-off.
placement on farm are good, then the weight loss is likely In the field, under less optimal holding conditions, higher
to be very small. However, it is useful to have some idea weight losses in 24 hours are often observed. This is
of what is normal weight loss when assessing situations especially common if the chick holding area is too hot.
where things have not gone as planned. Chicks will start panting, a common mechanism to get
rid of surplus heat, if their vent temperature reaches
Water vapour in exhaled air 105°F (40.5 °C). Panting chicks will lose more weight and
0.05g per hour
this is probably one of the factors causing dehydrated
chicks when they are observed in the field.
Residual yolk approx. 3.5g at hatch,

utilised at about 0.06g per hour
Meconium from gut

0.5- 1.0 g soon after hatch
Figure 1 Sources of weight loss in the hatchling chick.

Recently, we compared weight losses of hatchling chicks
across two trials. In the first, the chicks were removed
from the hatcher within 6 hours of emergence, and kept
for 24 hours in a climate respiration chamber held at
91.4oF (33.3oC) and 40-60%RH. In the second, the
chicks were pulled at the end of the hatcher period after
approx. 504 hours incubation and held in chick boxes
in the hatchery, also for 24 hours. Hourly weight loss
over the 24 hours post hatch was 0.11g in both trials.

TIP 30
How to Calibrate and Use Temperature Readings
taken with Tiny Tag Loggers
Over the last 20 years, the importance of controlling embryo temperature, as indicated by egg surface
temperatures (EST), has become well understood. It is now very simple to record EST, using miniature
data loggers with an external flexible thermistor probe such as the Tinytag made by Gemini Data
Loggers (https://www.geminidataloggers.com/data-loggers/tinytag-talk-2/tk-4023). The Aviagen
Hatchery How Tos No 3 and 6 describe how to measure egg shell temperature, and where best to
place the probes in different types of machine.
Temperature loggers will save records of EST within a setter, the data can be analyzed and displayed
in different ways and the record can cover the entire time eggs are in the setter. Their unit cost is
low enough that several can be set up in a machine, to assess temperature variability. Their main
disadvantages are that the loggers cannot be read in real time (newer models can be read in real time
through a wifi or radio link, but they are more expensive), the records are accurate only to 0.5oC and
the probes cannot be recalibrated by the user. However, there is a way to check a batch of loggers
so that differences between loggers can be identified and corrected as necessary.
Checking between-logger variability

Tiny tags do not have a calibration option. However it is possible to check the variability of readings
obtained within a batch of loggers, and correct the temperatures recorded using a simple excel
calculation. For this purpose:
• Identify each thermistor/logger with a number
• Hold all the thermistors together using adhesive tape and place them into a setter containing day
2 - 4 day eggs for at least an hour as shown in Figure 1:-
Figure 1

• Download and export the data from all the loggers into Excel
• Calculate the average temperature readings of the last 30 minutes for each logger
• Take one logger as the reference (the one closest to the average) and calculate how much
each of the others loggers differ from this reference probe.
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 26/07/2016 09:05:01 99.367 OF 100.075 OF 99.863 OF 100.115 OF 99.971 OF 99.247 OF
2 26/07/2016 09:05:06 99.367 OF 100.072 OF 99.857 OF 100.112 OF 99.965 OF 99.253 OF
3 26/07/2016 09:05:11 99.367 OF 100.072 OF 99.851 OF 100.115 OF 99.958 OF 99.259 OF
4 26/07/2016 09:05:16 99.367 OF 100.072 OF 99.845 OF 100.115 OF 99.955 OF 99.265 OF
5 26/07/2016 09:05:21 99.370 OF 100.069 OF 99.835 OF 100.112 OF 99.949 OF 99.272 OF
— — — — — — — —
355 26/07/2016 09:34:31 99.312 OF 100.072 OF 99.675 OF 100.140 OF 99.900 OF 99.259 OF
356 26/07/2016 09:34:36 99.305 OF 100.069 OF 99.685 OF 100.121 OF 99.894 OF 99.250 OF
357 26/07/2016 09:34:41 99.296 OF 100.069 OF 99.688 OF 100.106 OF 99.885 OF 99.238 OF
358 26/07/2016 09:34:46 99.287 OF 100.066 OF 99.691 OF 100.088 OF 99.878 OF 99.222 OF
359 26/07/2016 09:34:51 99.275 OF 100.063 OF 99.694 OF 100.069 OF 99.872 OF 99.204 OF
360 26/07/2016 09:34:56 99.262 OF 100.063 OF 99.694 OF 100.054 OF 99.866 OF 99.182 OF
99.802 OF 100.097 OF 99.717 OF 100.164 OF 99.934 OF 99.223 OF
Average of all loggers 99.825 OF
Corrections 0.000 0.295 -0.075 0.362 0.132 -0.519
*Probe 1 is the closest to average
• Install the loggers in a setter for a full run, following the methods described in How Tos 3 and 6
• After completing the run, apply corrections to each logger before any further analysis
Once corrected, the EST values can be plotted versus time, to show where hot and cool spots
lie within the machine, and also how temperatures
change and become more variable during incubation.
As an example, in the chart below, sensors were
placed at the top and bottom of trollies at the back
and front of the machine, to the left and right of the
central fan. Temperatures for each 24 hour period
have been averaged, to remove temporary blips
during machine checks and variability due to egg
turning. The red line shows the air temperature at the
sensor, which was warmer than the EST readings
until 6 days, and cooler after 12 days. At 17 days:
• EST at the right hand side of the machine was
warmer than at the left (101.5oF vs 100.6oF)
• The front of the machine was cooler than the
back (100.6oF vs 101.5oF)

TIP 31
Use Water Loss Data to Assess Setter Function
The water loss of hatching eggs will affect hatchability and chick quality. The ideal weight loss from
0-18 days is between 10.5-12.5%. The main factor affecting incubation water loss is the humidity of
the air in the setter. Most hatcheries monitor water loss and use it as an effective management tool to
fine tune setter humidity programmes.
But sometimes, the water loss varies between machines or in different hatches over time, even when the
setters are all running with the same humidity programmes and set-points. When this sort of variability
is seen, it is usually because the humidity levels achieved in the setter have been affected by factors
such as the humidity of the fresh air coming in to the setter, its ventilation rate or the functionality of
the humidifier inside the machine. If one of these factors has changed even slightly, or is not working
properly, water loss may change. So we can also use water loss data to assess the functioning of a
hatchery. Here are some examples.
1. This was in a hatchery located in a temperate climate. The air supply to the setters was not
humidity controlled. But warm air in the summer can hold more moisture, so actual incubation
humidity is much higher and the eggs lose less weight (see Chart 1).
13
12
Water Loss in %
11
10
8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Month
Chart 1 Water loss profile in a hatchery showing the effect of season when the air supply is not humidity controlled
2. A different hatchery, again in a temperate climate. This hatchery had four setter rooms. Room
1 held setters 1-6, room 2 setters 7-12, room 3 setters 15-19 and room 4 setters 20-24. Setter
rooms 1 and 3 shared one exhaust plenum. Setter rooms 2 and 4 shared another one. After
the exhaust fan was changed on the plenum for setter rooms 2 and 4, incubators in these two
rooms were ventilated more than the others, causing relative humidity to be lower and as a result
the eggs lost more weight (see Chart 2).

15
14
13
Water loss in %
12
11
10
8
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Setter#
Chart 2 Water loss in different setters due to differences in exhaust plenum ventilation
3. A third hatchery, located in a hard water area. Water for humidification was taken directly from the
tap. In Setter No.6, the nozzles were blocked due to the hard water (see Figure 1). As a result,
incubation humidity was lower and the eggs lost much more water (See Chart 3).
15
14
13
Water Loss in %
12
11
10
9
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Setter#
Figure 1 Blocked spray nozzles in setter No. 6 Chart 3 Eggs in setter 6 lost more water due to low humidity
The three examples in this tip show how the local environment can affect humidity in different parts of
the hatchery. If the issues are not identified and corrected, water loss will not be in the optimum range,
and hatchability and chick quality will suffer.

TIP 32
How to Calculate Water Loss Correctly
Correct egg water loss during incubation is important for • If egg transfer is not done at 18 days, the calculated
hatchability and chick quality. Water loss is controlled by water loss needs to be corrected to 18 days for
incubator humidity and critical to correct measurement accuracy and appropriate quality control.
of egg water loss is the correct calculation. Example: Eggs are transferred at 19 days and water
Water loss is the average weight of the eggs at transfer loss is 12.5%. Water loss corrected to 18 days can be
expressed as a percentage of the average egg weight at calculated as;
set. It is usually measured on 3 sample incubator trays
from each breeder flock in each set. Trays should be
( )
12.5
placed in the incubator so that one is positioned near
× 18 = 11.8%
the top, one near the middle and one near the bottom 19
of the incubator rack. The full procedure is described
in Hatchery How To Measure Egg Water Loss, which
is available on the Aviagen website.
• During storage hatching eggs will lose about 0.5%
Based on the procedure, water loss can be calculated as;
per week and this number should be included in
the total loss at transfer. For example: If the eggs
Full tray weight at set lose 11.8% between setting and transfer (18 days)
% - Full tray weight at transfer but are stored for one week before setting, the
Water = × 100 total moisture loss between laying and transfer
loss Full tray weight at set will be 11.8 + 0.5 = 12.3%.
- Empty tray weight
Egg water loss measurement has been implemented
in most commercial hatcheries as a powerful tool of
If incubated correctly, eggs lose on average 11-12% quality control for the incubation process. In order to
of their weight by transfer at 18 days. Although the have good information, correct calculation is critical to
calculation by itself is simple, there are some important obtain accurate results.
points to be aware of for the accuracy of calculations;
• Do not use a standardized weight for the empty
trays. Setter tray weight can differentiate depending
on tray production lots, quality of materials,
degradation over time etc. To have an accurate
result, empty trays must be weighed for every
tray of eggs.
• Do not include dirty eggs with abnormal shells and
broken or hairline-cracked eggs. These eggs will Figure 1
lose more water and consequently show higher
water loss than normal.

TIP 33
Checking Fresh Eggs for Unwanted Embryo Development
The best way to look after hatching eggs is to collect them from the nests as often as possible (ideally 4-5
times per day), disinfect the shell surfaces, let them cool evenly and slowly and then hold them at around 15oC
until they are placed in the setter. It is important that conditions are even throughout the mass of eggs, and
that temperatures are not allowed to fluctuate. It is especially important to keep the eggs below physiological
zero – the temperature above which embryo development is possible.
When eggs cool unevenly, some of them will develop a lot further than others. After 18 days of incubation this
range will be enough to widen the hatch window significantly, with the quality of the earliest hatching chicks
suffering accordingly. Eggs held at temperatures which fluctuate around 20-24oC will show distinct signs of
embryo development which if allowed persist for too long will give higher levels of early embryo mortality.
There are several ways to check egg-holding temperatures using simple technology. A max-min thermometer,
read twice a day and the results plotted manually on a daily graph will tell you if the storage room is suitably
insulated, cooled and heated for the local climate. Data loggers such as Tinytags can measure egg shell
temperature at any point in the egg mass, highlighting temperature fluctuations over time. Several loggers,
suitably located, will show if the room conditions are uneven. A cheap thermal imaging add-on for a smart
phone will show hot and cold spots within the egg store.
At a biological level, it can be helpful to look at the embryos directly, using hatching eggs from the flock of
interest. (Don’t use floor or cull eggs – they will have been held under different conditions to the hatching
eggs). This can be done as a one-off, or more usefully as part of a regular sampling program. The work
must be done in an area with good bright light. Label each egg to show date, flock and location it was taken
from. Use forceps to make a small opening at the very top of the large end of the egg. Remove the shell and
membranes around the hole, to expose the germinal disc without damaging it (the yolk will always float so
that the germinal disc is at the top, so will be easy to find.) Check that the egg was fertile (Hatchery How to
4) and sort the fertile embryos into order of size.
Figure 1 Appearance of a normal embryo when the egg is laid and cooled promptly.

Embryo development takes place for 24 hours after fertilization as the egg forms around the ovum. When the egg is
laid there will be 30-60,000 cells in the blastoderm, which will have reached Stage X of development. Unmagnified,
the embryo will look like a ring doughnut, with a transparent area in the middle of the ring – the area pellucida.
Once the egg is laid, provided that holding conditions are correct, there should be no more development. However,
if the rate of cooling is uneven, or the eggs are held in fluctuating temperatures then some or all of the embryos
will continue to develop past Stage X.
Figure 2 Eggs opened in the hatchery after uneven cooling, showing very variable embryonic growth.
Some of these embryos had developed past the stage that they would survive the holding period, and even
those which would be able to start developing again will develop to produce a very wide, hatch window. To stop
this pattern being a regular part of embryo development in your hatchery, check sample eggs from positions you
have concerns about and correct the problem as soon as possible.

TIP 34
Hitting the Chick Yield Target
The process of converting a fertile hatching egg into a Subjected to regression analysis, other factors which
chick is dependent on getting several key factors right. might be expected to affect chick yield, such as weight
Like some other of the incubation essentials (especially loss to 18 days, and the number of days the setters
embryo temperature and moisture loss to 18 days), were run sealed did not have a significant effect on
chick yield is something of a Goldilocks trait – the chicks chick yield at hatch.
should not be too dry, nor too wet but just right. Chick
yield is driven not only by incubation humidity and egg
moisture loss but also by elapsed time in the incubator
and it is important to remember this when considering
the optimal chick yield for an operation, because chick
yield doesn’t only indicate hydration status, but also
maturity. When chasing chick quality, both are important,
and it is counterproductive to chase higher levels of
hydration while sacrificing maturity.
We advise that chicks should fall into the band of 10.5-
12.5% weight loss to 18 days and 67-68% chick yield
at pull. Observation of trial hatches has shown that
batches of eggs can be surprisingly good at recovering
from 18 day weight losses which are too high or too Figure 1 Chick Yield vs Incubation Duration
low, ending up with an acceptable chick yield at hatch.
Other batches achieved perfect 18 day moisture loss,
but chick yields which were well outside target levels. Chicks which are pulled too early, with a chick yield
over 69%, will have relatively poorly healed navels, and
In a recent investigation, the Aviagen hatchery team be more susceptible to handling and impact damage.
audited hatcheries for a large scale integration. One of To reduce the chick yield by 1%, the chicks will need
the factors considered was chick yield, and also the 5 hours longer incubation time. This is probably most
incubation time normally given at that hatchery (counted easily achieved by setting the eggs earlier; taking good
from the setter coming up to temperature until the chicks care that the hatcher temperatures are kept under tight
were pulled from the hatcher to be sent to the farm). control once the chicks are out, aiming to keep vent
The incubators involved covered a huge range of types, temperatures between 103 and 105oF (39.4-40.5oC).
from old multi-stage to brand new single-stage units.
Each hatchery manager decided what the incubation
time should be, based upon his own knowledge and
experience. Each hatchery was hatching the same
broiler breeder line.
It can be seen from Figure 1 that there was a considerable
range in the hatching times – from 499 hours to 522 (21
days is 504 hours). Indeed, incubation time accounted
for almost half of the variability in chick yield across
the business.

TIP 35
Do we Supply Enough Air to our Incubators?
Incorrect ventilation is a common problem in hatcheries. Preparation

Even if the basic hatchery ventilation has been correctly • Find the air inlets for the setter or hatcher
specified, the various components need to be installed,
calibrated and set up properly. Air pressures must be • Remove any obstructions, such as a grill
correct in each room, and the volumes entering the room • Open all dampers to 100% open
must be enough to meet the needs of the embryo, and • Close all room doors, and check static pressures
also to maintain room air pressures. If a hatchery has are balanced for that room
been extended, it is quite common that the ventilation
Measurements and Calculations
capacity is either not increased at all, or not increased
sufficiently for the number of extra incubators. • Measure the dimensions of the air inlet
There are several ways to check if ventilation rates are • Calculate the cross sectional area = π x (diameter/2)2
meeting the hatchery’s needs. Room air pressures, where π = 3.14
supplied air volumes and CO 2 levels are all good • Measure the average air speed in front of the inlet
indicators. This tip will explain how to calculate the • Use the formula to calculate air intake
supplied air volumes – the same method can be used
to check air handling units or exhaust capacities. AirIntake = Air Speed x Cross Section Area
x 3600
(m⁄s) (m2)
Each brand and model of incubator has its own specific
ventilation needs. For optimum performance, we have • This formula will calculate airspeed in m3/hour. To
to supply the correct pressures and air volumes for convert to cfm (cubic feet per minute) multiply the
the make of machine installed in the hatchery. These metric result by 0.588578
will have lower and upper limits, so keeping them on An example 0.3m 2.8 m/s
the average level will bring some energy savings when
compared to keeping everything at the upper limit.
To measure the air intake of a machine, first we need
to know the minimum and maximum fresh air needs,
which should be specified by the manufacturer. For
the calculations, we will need an air speed meter
(anemometer), a ruler and a calculator. All the
measurements will be done from the machine air inlet
area. Depending on the make of incubator, the air
( )
inlets may be placed in front of the machine or in an 0.3 2
air supply plenum. Before taking any measurements, Cross Section Area = πr2 = 3.14 x ~
= 0.07m2
the dampers will need to be fully opened. Avoid windy 2
days for this procedure. Air Intake = Air Speed x Cross Section Area
x 3600
Equipment (m⁄s) (m2)
~
= 2.8 X 0.07 X 3600 = 705 m /h
3
• Anemometer (Kestrel make multi meters which
include a suitable vane anemometer)
Converting m3/h to cfm : m3/h X 0.588578
• Ruler
= 705 X 0.588578 ~
= 415 cfm
• Calculator

TIP 36
Chick Box Layout for Laminar Ventilated
Chick Holding Rooms
Ideally, chicks should be delivered to the farm as quickly A common mistake with these systems is to leave
as possible after they come out of the hatcher. However, spaces between chick boxes within a row. The air will
there may need to be a period of time when they are as usual follow the easiest and shortest route, moving
held in the hatchery before they are dispatched to the into the gaps in the line, and as a result loose its velocity
farm. In such cases, chick holding conditions in the before the end of the row. Once the chick boxes are
hatchery are important and the way in which the room placed as a line without spaces (see Figure 2 below),
ventilation is managed can make a big difference. air will keep moving between the lines of boxes and
When it comes to chick holding room ventilation, there will create low pressure area in the middle. This low-
are two different systems which are commonly used. pressure will pull the dirty and hot air out of the boxes
In a vertical ventilation system, air is moved vertically replacing it with clean air.
by roof-mounted fans. The chick boxes should be
Right
distributed evenly and placed at least 10cm apart from
each other. The second system is a laminar ventilation
system. In these, fans are wall mounted and the air
travels parallel to the floor. For a laminar air flow system
to work properly, the chick boxes need to be placed in
lines. This tip concentrates on laminar chick holding room
ventilation and the optimal chick box placement pattern.
A typical laminar ventilation system is shown in Figure
1 below. The system is simple; from one side air supply
fans push air into the room and from the opposite side Wrong
extraction fans take out the same volume of air. In
this way, a low-pressure area is created between the
chick boxes, which will draw the hot and dirty air from
inside the boxes.
Figure 2 Comparison of chick box layout and resulting air speeds

in properly and incorrectly laid out rooms.
Laminar flow systems can be supported by cooling pads.
Especially valuable in dry and hot areas, evaporative
cooling pads will cool down the air while increasing
the humidity of the chick holding area. As evaporative
cooling is not effective in hot and humid areas, here the
system needs to be supported by an air conditioning unit.
Figure 1 A typical laminar flow ventilation system for a chick
holding room.

TIP 37
Making the Most of your Hatchery Data.
Using Pivot Tables to Boost Hatchery Management
Almost every Hatchery manager assesses his results by collecting performance data such as hatchability,
hatch of fertile, water loss, hatch debris, mortality patterns, percentage of culls and first week mortality. But
the best way of keeping track and using the information to manage the hatchery is by analyzing the data
collected as a whole, identifying how each key performance indicator (KPI) is performing and checking how
they are interrelated. There is no point in collecting vast quantities of data if you cannot then make good use
of them. Keeping data on sheets of paper stored in desk drawers will not help you boost your KPI’s.
Nowadays, with data collection being a routine component of day-old chick production, there are many
sophisticated tools available to track the hatchery environment. Data loggers can collect real time data
describing (for example) temperature, humidity or CO2 using remote sensors and transmitting the information
to a networked computer, a tablet or even a cell phone. However, no matter how much easier data collection
has become, the information still needs to be summarized and used to correlate cause and effect.
The best way of summarizing all the data collected is by putting it into a database or spreadsheet in such a
way that all the information can be analyzed as a whole, looking closely at details where necessary.
Excel is one of the most widely available programs for data analysis, and many people working in a hatchery
will have some familiarity with it. While not everybody uses them, it is full of surprisingly sophisticated tools for
analyzing data, and can cope with very big data sets. As such, it can provide rich information for improving
a hatchery’s KPI’s.
Avoid producing daily report sheets as they are difficult to analyze. A better way is to consolidate the data,
and then use Pivot tables to control process and KPI’s. (Figure 1)
Figure 1 Example of how a Pivot table can combine different data.

Pivot tables allow the user to create any kind of report needed in order to evaluate different KPI’s,
machines or data loggers in one unique screen. Moreover they are easily manageable by any Excel user,
just requiring a little training.
The most important step is making sure that your data is organized following a database layout as
shown in Figure 2 (organized in columns, consistent naming, data within acceptable ranges, sensible
data without errors).
Figure 2 Example of a good data base layout for Excel.
Once set up to your satisfaction, Pivot tables can be used to generate dynamic graphs, updated each
time the Pivot table is run. These can show data over several seasons, allowing the manager to evaluate
trends which can be really helpful in Hatchery troubleshooting allowing the manager to compare different
banks of setters/hatchers, individual machines as well as the seasonal variability which can so affect
hatchery performance.
Once data driven performance management is implemented, it is possible to set targets, look at data
as whole, monitor performance, analyze trends and differences and implement improvements in specific
aspects which are affecting Hatchery performance.

TIP 38
Measuring Vent Temperatures Accurately
We know that newly hatched chicks cannot control their body temperature very well, and need some help by
keeping the environment close to their needs. It is easy to tell from the chicks’ behaviour whether they are too hot
(Figure 1) or too cold (Figure 2). Hot or cold chicks also tend to be noisy. By checking their body temperature
you can quantify how hot or cold they are, compared to the Aviagen target of 103o-105oF and make adjustments
to the environment accordingly. This hatchery tip gives some hints as to the best way to get repeatable, accurate
results when checking chick temperatures.
Figure 1 Chicks which are Figure 2 Chicks which are too cold huddle
too hot start to pant. together for warmth.
All the Aviagen trials measuring vent temperature have used a Braun® Thermoscan® thermometer. These are
widely available, well priced and consistent. Of the current models, the Thermoscan 5 or 7 are the most suitable,
because they pre-heat the measuring tip. However, they should still be checked regularly, and we advise replacing
the unit every 12 months. There are other excellent paediatric infrared (IR) thermometers available, but these may
give slightly different readings. So if you want to use an alternative, calibrate it against a Braun device. Switch
the thermometer on and leave to settle in the room where it will be used for 15-20 minutes at the start of any
measuring session.
To measure vent temperature, hold the chick with its vent towards you, and use your thumb to push the rump
upwards. The tip of the thermometer should be placed on the area free of any down (Figure 3). If the vent is wet,
after a dropping has been passed, then any visible moisture should be blotted away, or another chick sampled – a
chick with a wet vent will appear to have a much lower temperature than others in the group.
Figure 3 Use the thumb to push the

rump of the chick upwards so that the skin
on the vent is exposed

Once moved to a different environment chick temperature will change quite fast. Chart 1 shows the temperature
of 50 chicks in the order they were measured. They had been moved from a hot environment to a cooler one just
before measurement started. Whenever possible, chicks should be measured in the place where they are being
held. If they have to be moved, for example out of a hatcher or a delivery vehicle, then the vent temperatures will
only be representative of the former environment for around 15 minutes. After this time, a new sample should
be taken.
Vent temperatures can give accurate and repeatable guidance to the comfort of chicks at all stages between
hatching and arriving at the farm. Take care to measure accurately, record the data to place and time and use it
to make improvements to the environment for the chicks.
108
Vent temperature (°F)
107
106
105
104
103
0 10 20 30 40 50
Sequence chick measured
Chart 1 Vent temperatures dropping as a box of chicks adjusts to a cooler environment.

TIP 39
How to Optimise the Timing of In Ovo Vaccination?
When using in ovo vaccination in your hatchery, several So for maximum vaccination impact, we must pay
important decisions need to be made about the way attention to the uniformity of embryo development at
in which it is organised and delivered. Two key points the time of vaccination. This can be affected by:
are (1) when to vaccinate and (2) the correct point on • Type of incubation (Single Stage X Multiple Stage);
the egg surface to apply the vaccine.
• High or low temperature and humidity;
So how do you establish the best time (stage of
development) to carry out the vaccination? This can often • Problems with turning angles below 38o;
be overlooked, people preferring to vaccinate according • Inadequate ventilation;
to organisational convenience rather than aiming to • Age of the breeders;
optimise embryo response. For in ovo vaccination
• Size, weight and shape of eggs;
to be effective, the vaccine must be delivered to the
amniotic fluid or into the embryo itself. If deposited in • Storage duration of the eggs;
the yolk, the allantoic fluid or the air cell of the egg it • How long the eggs have been incubated and
will not work well. Suppliers of in ovo vaccines and the development stage reached by the embryos.
vaccination systems advise vaccinating between 18 This may be affected by egg age at set, breed
days 12 hours and 19 days. (for example, Ross® 708 hatch faster than Ross
Regardless of the pre-determined vaccination time, it is 308) and generation (broilers hatch faster than
helpful to monitor embryo development through visual parent stock).
evaluation of sample embryos just before vaccination.
Use the information collected to optimise the time when These factors can directly influence the effectiveness of
eggs are vaccinated: the optimum time is when the yolk vaccination, hatchability and chick quality.
is being pulled into the abdomen.
Many factors can widen the spread of hatch time, so it
is worth doing some strategic checks on factors known
to increase hatch spread (see below) and adjusting
vaccination time or, if appropriate, correcting them if
shown to be an issue. Samples need to be taken at
different places in the incubator to identify whether
chronological age and physiological age are close,
because any divergence may directly influence the site
of application and therefore the effectiveness of the
in ovo vaccine. Vaccination must start before internal
pipping, again because the embryos may not be in the
ideal position to receive the vaccine and so it will not
be delivered to the appropriate place.

TIP 40
Using your Mobile as a Powerful Tool in your Hatchery
A mobile application, most commonly referred to as an app, is a type of software designed to run on a mobile
device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer. Mobile applications frequently serve to provide users with easy
measurement and analysis which are equivalent to those provided by dedicated tools. App software is supplied
through application stores managed by Apple® or Google®.
Today there are many applications which can be used in hatcheries. In this tip we will introduce some of them.
Angle measurement
To check egg turning angles or ventilation damper angles the mobile device can be used as an angle meter. Angle
Meter Pro is available for both IOS and Android, and can even measure angles through a window if necessary.
Converting Units
Convert Units Convert!!! Convert Units Plus
Globally, manufacturers give standards for flows, volumes or pressures in different units. The actual units chosen
will usually depend on where the supplier is based.
Depending on the measurement tools or calculation methods actually in use at the hatchery, it is often necessary
to convert these values to different units. These small applications are capable of converting almost all values.
There are hundreds of similar programs available for IOS and Android.

Measuring fan speeds
Strobe Light Tachometer Strobo RPM Hz LightC
Fan speed checks are an essential part of routine maintenance. These applications use the mobile device’s flash
light as a tachometer. To measure fan speed, start the application, set the expected RPM (Revolutions per Minute)
value to the target for that machine, and in the dark direct the blinking light towards the fan and observe the fan
blades. If the fan looks as if it has stopped turning, then it is turning at the expected RPM value. If it still looks
as if it is turning, alter the expected RPM from the menu and read its current speed. It is possible to multiply the
RPM by the number of fan blades for easy reading.
Converting between RH% and F

E+E Humidity Calculator
Many hatcheries have more than one make or age of machine. When recording humidity, some machines use
relative humidity % (RH%) and others wet bulb temperature. This tool will convert between the two. It is also
useful if you are calibrating an electronic humidity sensor which is programmed to give a wet bulb reading. Set
machine air temperature and expected RH% on the App, which will give a predicted wet bulb reading. The app
can also be useful calibrating machines with electronic humidity sensors, which are calibrated using saturated salt
solutions but give the humidity reading as a wet bulb temperature. For this, you need to tell the app the incubator
air temperature in F (Farad), and the predicted RH reading from the salt solution. The app will tell you what the
wet bulb temperature should be, which you can check against the actual reading on the incubator. If the two are
not in agreement, adjust the machine reading until it is the same as the one on the app.
The apps that are available for smart phones include many which are of great practical value. The few that we
mention in this tip cover those which are particularly useful in the hatchery and are available at low or no cost
to the user.

TIP 41
Correct Use of Tinytag Loggers To Measure
Eggshell Temperature
Incubation temperature plays a critical role in chick quality and hatchability. Because the temperature of the
outside surface of the egg shell is very close to that of the embryo inside it, more and more hatcheries are using
temperature loggers routinely to measure eggshell temperature. There is good research evidence to show that the
optimal embryo temperature lies between 100-101oF (37.8-38.3oC) all the way through incubation. The embryo’s
heat production increases steadily through incubation. This means that the air temperature settings need to be
changed regularly to deal with the increasing amount of embryo heat being generated.
Once we start to measure eggshell temperatures, we can use the information to improve hatchery performance by:
• Fine-tuning air temperature set-points or programme, so as that actual eggshell temperature sits in the ideal
range throughout the whole incubation period.
• Finding eggshell temperature variation within a setter or between setters; thus identifying and allowing us to fix
setter maintenance issues, so that all the eggs in a hatchery experience very similar incubation temperature.
One of the devices commonly used to measure eggshell temperature is the Tinytag Talk-2 Model-4023, connected
to a thermistor probe. It can measure and record eggshell temperature continuously at pre-set intervals throughout
incubation. Once set up, the incubator can work undisturbed – this is a big advantage in machines with no corridor
or space for a person to work safely while the machine is running.
Temperature data loggers of this type are useful and powerful tools. However, there are ways to optimise the
quality of the data collected.
• Check and calibrate the loggers and probes first – follow the advice in Hatchery Tip 30 (see page 32).
• Attach the probe to the egg. We tested different materials to attach the probes, and found that a good-sized
lump of Blu-Tack® (Picture 1) gives the most stable results (Graph 1).
Graph 1 Temperature traces of Tiny Tags where the probe was attached with Blu-Tack (black line), plastic tape (blue line) or paper
tape (green line). Note temperature fluctuation every 30 minutes, as eggs turn.

There are several factors which can make a difference to the absolute value of the temperatures recorded.
The temperature over the air cell will be too high in early incubation and too low after 7 days – place the
probe on or below the equator.

Infertile eggs will not generate any embryo heat later in incubation, so will tend to under read after 8 days.
If starting recording at day 0, the sample eggs should be candled and if necessary replaced at 6-8 days.
Every time eggs are turned, the change in wind speed and direction across the thermistor will show in a
change of temperature. Place the thermistor on the side of the egg away from the fan to minimise this.
• At the end of incubation, gather all the data into an Excel file and plot the traces collected at different
locations on one graph.
Picture 1 The Tinytag thermistor

probe attached just below the
equator of the egg with a thumb-
nail sized lump of Blu-Tack.

TIP 42
Is your Smartphone Safe to Take into the Hatchery?
In Tip 40 we talked about the many phone apps that • High Intensity Ultra Violet light. An Aviagen study
are available which allow you to use your smartphone in the UK showed that 10 minutes exposure is
as a convenient tool for hatchery monitoring. However, enough to inactivate 99.9% of bacterial load.
despite smartphones being useful gadgets, they do The disadvantage is that UV lamps can be very
present some biosecurity risks if they are taken into expensive and need to be replaced regularly.
the hatchery. • Disinfectant wipes – in the study described above
A recent study conducted by Aviagen ® hatchery participants were asked to completely wipe their
specialists quantified bacterial contamination on 36 phones with ammonium chloride wipes and swab
smartphones whose owners were asked (without prior again after some minutes. Wiping the phones
warning) to remove the phone case and swab the with disinfectant wipes significantly reduced the
phone’s screen and camera lens areas - as shown in bacterial load, see graph below.
the picture. The swabs were taken to a lab, streaked As well as daily dry cleaning and disinfection there are
onto non-selective agar plates and incubated overnight. other everyday practices that will help to reduce the
A lab technician counted the colonies on all plates. In amount of bacteria that is lurking on your phone; such as:
total, 91% of the plates grew some bacteria, carrying
up to 2,000 CFU (colony forming units). - The phone case should never be taken inside as it
may be carrying bacteria and other microorganisms.
Ideally use a silicone or similar case which can be
washed, and always remove the case daily while
you dry clean and disinfect the phone.
- Avoid taking your phone into the bathroom - this
is a great opportunity for microorganisms to get
onto your phone.
This tip is a guide to help you to keep using your
Picture 1 Picture showing areas swabbed on each phone
smartphone and all the available hatchery assessment
We did not identify the organisms in this trial, but some apps without bringing any hazardous bacteria into the
of the bacteria that could be living on your phone include hatchery.
E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus and 1400
Pseudomonas, all possible threats for chick livability 1200
as they are the main causes for omphalitis and first
Bacterial count
1000
week mortality. 800
It is for this reason that some companies make the 600
hatchery a “cell-phone free zone” while others allow 400
the device to be brought inside after some kind of 200
disinfection procedure. 0
Count before disinfection Count after disinfection
If you are taking your phone into the hatchery, a correctly
carried out disinfection process should take place every Graph 1 Average bacterial load on 36 mobile phones swabbed
time. Suitable processes include: before and after disinfection. Before disinfection 91% of the
phones had bacteria present. After disinfection only 29% still had
• Fumigation with paraformaldehyde - this is the most
bacteria present.
effective process. Unfortunately, formaldehyde is
not permitted in many countries. First published in International Hatchery Practice

Privacy Policy: Aviagen® collects data to effectively communicate and provide information to you
about our products and our business. This data may include your email address, name, business
address and telephone number. To view the full Aviagen privacy policy visit Aviagen.com.
Aviagen and the Aviagen logo are registered trademarks of Aviagen in the US and other countries.
All other trademarks or brands are registered by their respective owners.
© 2020 Aviagen.
www.aviagen.com

HatcheryTips en

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

HatcheryTips en

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Hatchery

Page 2 Hatchery Tips

Air temperature, humidity, and air

Hatchery Tips Page 3

Check the egg shell temperature on day 2 of

CAN AFFECT THEIR GROWTH?

Chicks that are cold will huddle

A service to hatchery personnel from Aviagen www.aviagen.com

In a recent trial, the Aviagen Hatchery Specialist team showed that

Page 6 Hatchery Tips

CHICK QUALITY by entering the temperatureseggshell

Figure 1 The pale coloured Hot area

Identifying all the eggs that have cracked shells on arrival

First published in International Hatchery Practice

Page 8 Hatchery Tips

During During hatcheryhatchery visits

Page 10 Hatchery Tips

atthen blunt end of the egg.

Once the dampers are closed, the humidity will build

First published in International Hatchery Practice

Page 14 Hatchery Tips

Temperature, humidity and air speed all interact to determine

eir body temperature and rely

moved from hatcher to farm

stems there can be several

Figure 1 High CO2 level measured in a holding room with

High CO2 level measured

To minimise temperature shock a

99 eggshell temperatures in trolleys after pre-

ToPage 16 temperature shock and sweating, eggs should be pre-

Alternatively, higher CO2 levels can be calibrated using a CO2 gas

Hatchery Tips Page 17

When looking for such a position, the machine should be fully l

Page 18 Hatchery Tips

his,l thePress and hold the ‘zero’Zero switch

Page 22 Hatchery Tips

Hatching egg quality has a significant impact on

Hatchery Tips Page 23

Page 24 Hatchery Tips

Hatchery Tips Page 25

Fan speeds need to be checked regularly using a

Page 28 Hatchery Tips

Most commercial hatcheries nowadays measure and At Transfer

Hatchery Tips Page 29

First published in International Hatchery Practice

Page 30 Hatchery Tips

Residual yolk approx. 3.5g at hatch,

Meconium from gut

Figure 1 Sources of weight loss in the hatchling chick.

First published in International Hatchery Practice

Hatchery Tips Page 31

Checking between-logger variability

Page 32 Hatchery Tips

First published in International Hatchery Practice

Hatchery Tips Page 33

Page 34 Hatchery Tips

First published in International Hatchery Practice

Hatchery Tips Page 35

First published in International Hatchery Practice

Page 36 Hatchery Tips

Hatchery Tips Page 37

Page 38 Hatchery Tips

First published in International Hatchery Practice