Authors:K. Tona, O. Onagbesan, V. Bruggeman, K. Mertens, E. Decuypere
Int. 2005 Poultry Science 84:315–320
Abstract
Eggs from Cobb broiler breeders,were in- cubated,for 18 d. Eggs were,not turned,(T0) or were turned until 9 (T9), 12 (T12), 15 (T15), or 18 (T18) d. First, the effects of turning,on embryo,and,albumen,weights were studied.
Samples of eggs were opened at d 9, 12, 15, and 18 for embryo and albumen weighing. The results show,that embryos,from,unturned,eggs,had,lower weights,and,higher,remaining,albumen,weights,than those from turned eggs. At d 18, albumen utilization was completed in the T12, T15, and T18 groups only. Also, further,turning,until d 15 and,18 increased,embryo weights. The responsiveness,of the embryo,after adreno- corticotropic hormone,(ACTH) injection was,studied,to test stress control in embryos. Blood samples,were,col- (Key words: albumen use, egg turning, embryo growth, stress level) 2005 Poultry Science 84:315–320