Hatchability of Eggs Stored in Plastic-Lined Egg Cases

BENEFICIAL results from storing hatching eggs in plastic bags were reported by Becker et al. (1963, 1964, a, b, c), Proudfoot (1964). In some of these tests the numbers of eggs were not large and the period of holding was longer than normally practiced in commercial hatcheries. Gains of as much as 25 percent in hatchability were reported in instances when eggs were held up to 21 days. Also some of the larger reported gains were based on hatchabilities which would be too low for profitable commercial operations. Methods of bagging used in the early experiments were sometimes not suitable for commercial operations and control eggs were stored on open flats instead of in cases. In the work here reported the techniques and practices were of a type suited to commercial hatchery operations. All eggs were placed in refrigerated rooms the day following laying and held at…