Abstract
Aims: This study was aimed at the assessment of pre- and post-incubation values determined for selected characteristics in fertilized and unfertilized eggs of different weight groups laid by chukar partridges.
Methods and Results: Chukar partridge eggs were assigned to two weight groups as follows: Group I: 15.60-20.49 g and Group II: 20.51-25.63 g. At the end of the incubation period, all eggs in the two weight groups were classified as hatched or unhatched. The hatched eggs were investigated for chick-hatch weight, eggshell weight, and absolute and relative weight loss. The unhatched eggs were investigated for post-incubation egg weight, post-incubation egg content and eggshell weights, absolute and relative weight loss, unfertilized egg and embryonic death numbers and hatchability. The two weight groups of eggs (Group I: 15.60-20.49 g and Group II: 20.51-25.63 g) placed in the incubator showed statistically significant differences for egg weight, egg length and width, egg shape index, elongation, eggshell weight and percentage, albumen + egg yolk weight and percentage (P<0.001). It was determined that while the effect of egg weight was negligible on chick-hatch weight (P>0.05), it was significant on absolute and relative incubation egg weight loss in both the hatched and unhatched eggs (P<0.001).
Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the egg weight affected the eggshell, yolk and albumen weights of both fertilized and unfertilized eggs. Furthermore, egg weight was also determined to affect incubation egg weight loss in both fertilized and unfertilized eggs.
Significance and Impact of the Study: In partridges, egg production is seasonal. This seasonality leads to low production numbers for partridge eggs. As male and female partridges are housed together in the same cage, the few number of eggs laid are generally accepted to be fertilized. To ensure flock sustainability, partridge eggs are generally subjected to the incubation process. Thus, in order to achieve the best hatching results, a full understanding of the effects of egg traits on hatching results and hatchling quality is essential. Information on these effects would also increase the success of egg selection for incubation and hatching. In this context, this study aims to contribute to partridge production by determining the effects of egg weight through the investigation of pre- and post-incubation egg characteristics with a view to increase hatching yield.