THE EFFECT OF MODIFYING THE TEMPERATURE REGIME DURING INCUBATION ON EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of incubation temperature regime modification on embryonic development, viability, and hatchability of chicken embryos. A total of 90 chicken eggs of the same breed, with an average weight of 58–60 g and without external defects, were divided into three groups: control, progressive temperature regime, and regressive temperature regime. Embryonic development was monitored using the ovoscopy method on days 7, 14, and 18 of incubation. Hatchability, embryonic mortality, and chick quality were evaluated at the end of incubation. The results showed that the progressive temperature regime provided the highest embryonic survival and hatchability rate, reaching 93.3%, while embryonic mortality was the lowest at 6.7%. In contrast, the regressive temperature regime resulted in higher embryonic mortality (26.7%) and lower hatchability (73.3%). The findings indicate that the progressive incubation temperature regime improves embryonic development, reduces mortality, and increases hatchability efficiency.