The Effects of Egg Weight and Storage Time on Egg Weight Loss and Hatchability Traits in Japanese Quail

Abstract

This study examined the effects of egg weight and storage time on egg weight loss and hatchability traits. Egg were stored for 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 days, and collected into 3 egg weight groups (light, medium and heavier). Storage room temperature was 18-20°C and relative humidity was 55-58%. Eggs were weighted individually at laying, before placing into hatching, on days 5, 10, 14 and 18 of the hatching period to determine egg weight loss. Fertility and hatchability values decreased with the storage time. Higher fertility and less hatching were observed in heavier egg weight group. There was no significant differences between egg weight groups in terms of egg weight loss, while egg weight loss was higher in especially 9 and 11 days storage time groups (P<0.05). During development period of hatching, less egg weight loss was observed in heavier egg weight group (P<0.05), and egg weight loss was higher in 11 day storage time group during the same period (P<0.05). During the hatching period, there was no significant differences between egg weight groups and storage time groups in terms of egg weight loss (P>0.05).