Clutch Size, Oviposition Time, and “Floor” Eggs as Factors in Turkey Hatchability ,

LOW hatchability in turkeys is undoubtedly one of the most important basic problems still facing the commercial producer of turkey hatching eggs today. Considerable attention has been devoted to turkey hatchability at this laboratory over the past few years (Abplanalp and Kosin, 1953; Kosin, 1954; Kosin and St. Pierre, 1956; Jensen and McGinnis, 1957; Kosin, 1958). The purpose of this paper is to report on a series of studies concerned with examining the effect of some components of the egg production complex in turkeys on hatchability. MATERIALS AND METHODS In most instances, the material was collected over several years (1955–1958) during regular spring hatching months. Typically, turkey hatching operations at this Station start in February and extend through July. The eggs, from single-sire pens, are collected for 1–14 days before incubation, with detailed records (identity data, date and time of day laid, weight, incubation data, etc.) kept by…