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Preservation and disinfection of eggs
Proper egg preservation and disinfection are critical steps in ensuring a high hatching rate and healthy chicks. Even eggs that are carefully selected can fail to hatch if not handled correctly. Once an egg is laid, the embryo inside begins its development, making it essential to maintain proper temperature, humidity, and time during storage.
First, **egg preservation**. The ideal temperature for storing eggs is between 13°C and 18°C. If the temperature is too high, the embryo may start developing prematurely, leading to instability and early death. On the other hand, if the temperature drops below 0°C for extended periods, the embryo's vitality is severely compromised, potentially causing death. The duration of storage also plays a key role. Eggs stored for longer periods at lower temperatures may lose their viability due to moisture loss, changes in pH, and the breakdown of yolk membranes. It’s generally recommended to store eggs for no more than 5–7 days, with a maximum of two weeks.
Humidity is equally important. An eggshell has thousands of tiny pores through which moisture can escape. To prevent excessive evaporation, the relative humidity should be maintained at 75–80%. Direct sunlight and drafts should be avoided, as they can accelerate moisture loss and harm the developing embryo.
Second, **egg disinfection**. After being laid, eggs are often contaminated by bacteria from the hen’s cloaca, nesting materials, and feces. Bacterial numbers increase rapidly over time—rising from 100–300 immediately after laying to 4,000–5,000 within an hour. Some bacteria can even penetrate the shell, posing a serious threat to the embryo. Therefore, thorough disinfection is necessary.
The best time to disinfect is right after the eggs are laid, as this helps kill most surface bacteria. A second round of disinfection is usually done in the incubator. One common method is formaldehyde fumigation, which involves mixing formaldehyde and potassium permanganate in specific ratios depending on the stage of the eggs. For example, using 42 ml of formaldehyde and 21 g of potassium permanganate per cubic meter for the first disinfection, and adjusting the amounts for subsequent rounds. Safety precautions are crucial, as these chemicals are corrosive and must be handled carefully.
Another option is using a benzalkonium chloride solution (1:1000) at 43–45°C for 3 minutes. However, this method should only be used during hatching, as soaking can damage the egg’s protective layer and allow bacteria to enter. Always follow guidelines to ensure the process is both effective and safe for the embryos.
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