Effect of storage duration on the hatching egg quality, embryonic parameters and post-hatch performance of Cherry Valley ducks

Storage of incubating eggs is a normal and important practice after egg collection from the poultry house and often a necessity in hatchery management. However, egg storage duration and storage environmental conditions can affect egg quality and hatching parameters. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of egg storage duration on egg quality, hatching parameters, and post-hatch performance of meat-type ducks. A total of 756 eggs were collected from a 32 weeks old breeder duck flock. Before incubation, the eggs were divided into three groups and were stored for 2, 7 or 14 d. At the end of the storage period, 7 eggs per treatment were examined to assess egg quality traits. Eggs were incubated for 28 d and hatching parameters were recorded. After hatching, the ducklings were reared according to their respective storage duration groups with 4 replicates and 15 birds per pen using a completely randomised design. Results showed that egg weight loss during storage was negatively influenced (p < 0.05) by prolonged duration. Storage of eggs for 14 days resulted in a decrease (p 0.05) in Haugh unit and albumen weight and adversely affected embryo viability and hatchability. Extended egg storage duration did not affect (p 0.05) egg weight loss during incubation. Embryo mortality was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the eggs stored for 14 days. Post-hatch performance revealed that weight gain, feed conversion ratio, liver weight, and leg muscle were negatively affected (p < 0.05) by storage duration. It was concluded that the effect of egg storage duration on hatching trends in ducks are similar to that reported in chickens.