Hatchability of Eggs Held in Plastic Bags at Two Temperatures

WHEN holding hatching eggs, the storage temperature plays an important role in determining hatchability. Landauer (1961) reviewed the literature and reported that storage temperatures in the range of 10–15.6°C. were optimal for hatchability of chicken eggs. Other authors (McDonald, 1960; Funk and Foward, 1960; and Krueger et al., 1962) have contributed further evidence that the best temperature lies within this range. By storing eggs in plastic bags, hatchability losses are reduced (Becker, 1964; Becker et al., 1964; Proudfoot, 1964, 1965). The loss of gases from the egg across the shell and shell membrane into the open air is greater at a higher temperature (e.g., CO2; Cotterill et al., 1958). Therefore, the differences between the hatchabilities of eggs kept in closed containers and of eggs held unpackaged might be greater at higher temperatures because of the greater gaseous exchange. Proudfoot (1964) held White Leghorn eggs at 23.3–25.6°C. for 7, …