The effects of eggshell thickness and breeder age and their interactions on incubation performance of broiler eggs

Chicken breeding has continued since 2000 BC. Today, broiler breeding, which is among the most important animal income and protein sources, is highly developed and is maintained with an industrial production structure. In this integrated production chain, hatchery is a section that directly affects chick quality and performance. Breeder age is amongst the quality parameters both academically and sectorally. Therefore, this thesis has been prepared due to the lack of studies investigating the effects of breeder age and shell thickness together on hatchability. In this study, 96 Ross 308 broiler eggs were used from young (27 weeks), middle-aged (35 weeks) and old (60 weeks) breeders. The shell thicknesses of the eggs, which were placed in 6 incubation trays as replicates, in individual compartments homogeneously, were determined by an ultrasonic device randomly and the outputs were individually recorded, and followed till the end of the trial. Related calculations were made in terms of the parameters mentioned and statistical analyzes were carried out. As a result of the analysis; it was found that the highest hatchability was found in eggs with middle-thickness, and the hatchability increased with increasing breeder age. No significant difference was found between the experimental groups in the examination of eggshell thickness together with breeder age. It was determined that hatchability increased with the increase in shell thickness, breeder age, as well shell thickness and herd age together. It would be appropriate to organize more detailed studies with higher numbers of eggs and replicates regarding other hatchery quality parameters in light of the findings of this research focused on eggshell thickness and breeder age. By this, it is thought that an increase in hatchability and development in hatch window should be obtained. It should be advised to arrange more detailed researches regarding the parameters investigated.