Method for incubating poultry eggs in hatchery

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for incubating domestic poultry eggs in a hatchery, the hatchery comprising:-an egg storage section configured for storing eggs,-an incubation device separate from the egg storage section and configured for incubating eggs during an incubation period at an incubation temperature, the method comprises the steps of:-receiving a number of eggs in a storage section at a time of arrival,-storing the number of eggs in the egg storage section for a storage heating period of at least one day, and-transporting the number of eggs from the storage section into an incubation device,-incubating the number of eggs in the incubation device during an incubation period until incubation occurs, the invention relates to a method for hatching eggs, characterized in that it comprises:-determining a temperature process over time to which several eggs should be exposed, on the basis of the time of arrival and the desired time of hatching, the temperature process over time includes at least a temperature increase in the storage section from an initial temperature to a set temperature between physiological zero and incubation temperature during a storage heating period during which the number of eggs are heated from the initial temperature to the set temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for incubating poultry eggs in a hatchery, the hatchery comprising:

[0002] - an egg storage section configured for storing eggs,

[0003] - an incubation device separate from the egg storage section and configured for incubating the eggs during an incubation period at an incubation temperature,

[0004] The method comprises the following steps:

[0005] - receiving a number of eggs in a storage section at the arrival time, and

[0006] -Store a number of eggs in an egg storage section.

[0007] The invention particularly relates to a method of incubating a number of eggs in an industrial hatchery, wherein the number of eggs comprises a large number of eggs, such as possibly more than 100k eggs. Background Art

[0008] In the incubation industry, it is common practice to make the transition from storage temperatures, which are typically less than 64°F (17.8°C), to incubation temperatures of about 100°F (37.8°C) as quickly as possible.

[0009] For eggs stored for a long time, i.e. for a period longer than 14 days, the fastest possible heating methods have a negative impact on chick quality and hatchability. In order to compensate for the long storage, it is known to apply so-called "Spides", which refer to shortening the incubation period during egg storage. The eggs are quickly heated to about 90°F (32.2°C) and then cooled back to storage temperature.

[0010] EP 2105048A1 relates to incubation and aims to provide an apparatus that can be easily implemented on a poultry farm for providing higher vitality, better growth and better nutrient uptake efficiency for poultry. Therefore, EP 2105048A1 teaches that in the last third of the incubation period, the temperature is raised from the base temperature to an adaptation temperature of 38.0°C to 39.8°C for a total of between 30 minutes and 6 hours per day.

[0011] In so-called single-stage incubators, all embryos are of the same age, which enables the use of a "warming profile" as described in NL2011847C2. In contrast, in multi-stage incubators, the embryos are of different ages and no warming profile is used. Generally, there are two ways or methods to start the incubation process in a single-stage incubator. In both ways, the warming profile comprises two warming phases. The first phase is a warming up from the storage temperature (20°C or lower) to a temperature of about 25°C. The second phase is a warming up from a temperature of about 25°C to a temperature of about 37.8°C. In both existing methods, the first phase is intended to prevent condensation on the eggs, which is undesirable because it may promote the growth of bacteria.

[0012] The first method to prevent condensation is to warm the eggs to 25° C. in a corridor over a short period of about 5 hours. When the eggs reach a temperature of about 25° C., the eggs are placed in a setter and the setter is warmed as quickly as possible to an air temperature of about 37.8° C. In the corridor before the setter, the eggs cannot be warmed evenly because the airflow over the eggs is not controlled.

[0013] The second method to prevent condensation is to place the eggs from the storage room immediately in the setter. In the setter, the eggs are heated to a temperature of about 25°C according to the heating curve. After reaching the air temperature of 25°C, the incubator heats the eggs in the second stage to a temperature of about 37.8°C as quickly as possible.

[0014] In the prior art, almost all the time that eggs are stored is lost time, both from the perspective of embryo development and from the perspective of the value of the space occupied in the hatchery. No value is added and the storage only provides the buffer needed to fully fill the incubation batch. Storage of hatching eggs longer than 7 days results in a delay in the hatching time and a decrease in hatchability and chick quality. After 7 days of storage, the hatchability decreases by about 1% per day. During storage, changes occur in the embryo. One of the changes is cell death in the embryo. This can have a negative impact on embryo viability and therefore increase embryo mortality.

[0015] There is room for improvement in the known incubation processes in hatcheries. Summary of the invention

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide improved efficiency for a method for incubating poultry eggs in a hatchery. This improved efficiency may involve better hatchability and better average chick quality. Hatchability refers here to the percentage of chicks hatched from a batch of eggs. This improved efficiency may also involve better utilization of resources at the hatchery.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to improve the known method for incubating poultry eggs in a hatchery in that the problems associated therewith are at least partially solved.

[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative method for incubating poultry eggs in a hatchery.

[0019] According to the present invention, there is provided a method as defined above for incubating poultry eggs in a hatchery, wherein the method comprises:

[0020] - storing a number of eggs in an egg storage section for a storage heating period of at least 1 day, and

[0021] - transporting a number of eggs from a storage section to an incubation device,

[0022] - incubating a number of eggs in an incubation device during an incubation period until hatching occurs,

[0023] Among them, the method includes:

[0024] - determining a temperature course over time to which a number of eggs should be exposed based on the arrival time and the desired hatching moment, wherein the temperature course over time comprises at least a temperature increase from an initial temperature to a set temperature between physiological zero and the incubation temperature during a storage heating period in the storage section,

[0025] - Controlled heating of several eggs from an initial temperature to a set temperature during a storage heating period according to the temperature course over time.

[0026] The method according to the invention enables better utilization of the available time for the development of poultry embryos, since in the storage section the temperature is already above physiological zero and the embryos are activated, while the temperature increase from the initial temperature to the set temperature during the storage heating period in the storage section enables a gradual and gentle activation of the embryos.

[0027] From a different perspective, the method according to the invention enables better utilization of the space occupied by the hatchery. The storage section does not only serve as a buffer as was the case in the prior art. Instead, in the storage section the poultry embryos are already activated. And due to the use of the determined temperature course over time, the hatching moment of the eggs is still predictable, despite the fact that the eggs have already been activated in the storage section.

[0028] In this context, the initial temperature is typically a storage temperature of less than 64°F (17.8°C), such as, for example, about 53°F (11.7°C). Depending on the circumstances, such as the season of the year, the temperature at which several eggs arrive may be different. It may be necessary to cool or heat several eggs toward the initial temperature. Regarding set temperatures: "Physiological zero" is the temperature at which the embryo begins to develop, and is approximately between 80°F and 90°F (26.7°C and 32.2°C). The incubation temperature is approximately 96°F to 103°F (35.6°C to 39.4°C), and when accurately captured, the air temperature in the operating incubator is 100°F to 100.4°F (37.8°C to 38.0°C).

[0029] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the egg storage section comprises several compartments, wherein at least two respective compartments of the several compartments have their own respective temperature control system so that the at least two respective compartments can be operated at different temperatures. This enables more individual treatment of batches of eggs at different embryonic development levels. In other words, different single-stage processes can be run in parallel, and each compartment has its own temperature course over time to which several eggs should be exposed. The temperature course is accordingly available as a setting for the temperature control system in order to determine the temperature course over time.

[0030] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of determining the temperature course over time is performed individually for at least one of the several compartments. This enables an increasingly individual treatment of batches of eggs at different embryonic development levels. In particular, the step of determining the temperature course over time is performed individually for each of the several compartments.

[0031] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises organizing and / or grouping several eggs into egg batches and determining the temperature course over time for each of the egg batches individually. This enables the collection of eggs that are at a similar or identical developmental stage. This even enables even better utilization of the time available for the development of the poultry embryos and better utilization of the hatchery space.

[0032] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the storage heating period in the storage section is at least 24 hours, more preferably at least 48 hours and even more preferably more than 96 hours. The longer the storage heating period, the more beneficial the method according to the invention can be.

[0033] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, heating a number of eggs in a storage section from an initial temperature to a set temperature comprises increasing the temperature during at least 80% of the storage heating period, in particular during the entire storage heating period. The temperature increase from the initial temperature to the set temperature during 80% or the entire storage heating period in the storage section enables even more gradual and gentle activation of the embryo while reducing the temperature stress as much as possible. It is still conceivable to superimpose spiders as described above on the increased temperature in the storage heating period. Such spiders have no net heating and, despite a certain temperature stress, can still have a useful effect on very long-term stored eggs (i.e. longer than 21 days).

[0034] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises increasing the temperature in a linear progression during the storage heating period in intervals of at least 12 hours, in particular in intervals of at least 50% of the storage heating period, more particularly during about the entire storage heating period. This even more enables a gradual and gentle activation of the embryo while reducing the temperature stress as much as possible. In particular, the temperature gradient can be minimized during the entire storage heating period.

[0035] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, during the step of heating a number of eggs, during the storage heating period from the initial temperature to the set temperature, the gradient within a time interval of 24 hours is between 0.075 degrees / hour and about 1 degree / hour. This even more enables a gradual and gentle activation of the embryos while reducing the temperature stress as much as possible.

[0036] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is comprised of heating several eggs uniformly over time using about the entire storage heating period. This even more enables a gradual and gentle activation of the embryos while reducing the temperature stress as much as possible.

[0037] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises adjusting the incubation period according to the storage heating period. Compared to the industry standard, this enables the incubation period to be reduced, for example, by at least 12 hours. The industry standard is to stay in the incubation device for 21 days.

[0038] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the temperature course over time includes a predetermined adaptation period, wherein a number of eggs are maintained at an initial temperature, which is typically a storage temperature less than 64°F (17.8°C). Allowing a number of eggs to rest directly after arriving at the hatchery for a predetermined adaptation period has a positive effect on the embryo. "Predetermined" refers here to having no relationship with the arrival time and the desired hatching moment. The predetermined adaptation period causes the pH in the egg to rise, which seems to improve the conditions for embryonic development. After the 4th day, the pH is stable and there is no additional benefit. It has been noted that storage for less than 4 days results in lower hatchability and higher early embryonic mortality. The pH in the egg rises to 9.0 within 4 days of storage, and there are indications that this increase in pH is optimal for embryonic development. After the 4th day, the pH is stable and there is no additional benefit.

[0039] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the temperature course over time comprises a predetermined activation period, in which a number of eggs are heated from an initial temperature to physiological zero. Again, "predetermined" here means that it has nothing to do with the arrival time and the desired hatching moment. The predetermined activation period is usually about 5 hours. In studies it was found that extending the first 5 hours of heating from storage temperature to physiological zero does not provide additional benefits or even seems to have a negative impact. In other words, a predetermined activation period longer than 5 hours seems to be useless.

[0040] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the storage heating period is at least four times longer than the predetermined activation period. This even more allows a gradual and gentle activation of the embryos while reducing temperature stress as much as possible.

[0041] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the determination of the temperature course over time to which several eggs should be exposed begins as soon as possible, preferably directly after the arrival time. This allows even more to optimize the temperature gradient during the entire period that several eggs stay in the storage section. In other words, this even more enables to gradually and gently activate the embryo while reducing the temperature stress as much as possible. It will be clear that "after the arrival time" also includes the situation of "once the arrival time can be determined". It will be understood that once the temperature course over time to which several eggs should be exposed has been determined, its execution is started as soon as possible to enjoy the benefits of the present invention.

[0042] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, several eggs include long-term stored eggs. "Long-term stored eggs" refer to eggs that are stored for more than 14 days in total after laying. Storage can include storage outside the hatchery, for example, storage on an egg-laying farm. In particular, for long-term stored eggs, the present invention is beneficial in gradually and gently activating embryos while reducing temperature stress as much as possible. Any storage longer than 7 days shows a negative impact on early embryo mortality. The longer the storage time, such as longer than 14 days, the more obvious the negative impact, and the more beneficial the present invention is.

[0043] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the set temperature is the incubation temperature or about the incubation temperature. This allows the incubation device to be operated continuously at the incubation temperature.

[0044] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the temperature course over time comprises heating the eggs in the incubation device from a set temperature to an incubation temperature. This allows a smooth transition of the eggs from the egg storage section to the incubation device, wherein temperature stresses are reduced as much as possible.

[0045] According to the present invention, there is provided an egg storage system for use in the method as defined above. The egg storage system comprises an egg storage section configured for storing eggs during a storage heating period before incubation, wherein the egg storage section is configured to heat the eggs from an initial temperature to a set temperature, wherein the egg storage section comprises a temperature control system to control the temperature in the egg storage section according to the temperature course over time to which a number of eggs should be exposed. The temperature control system typically comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature within the egg storage section, a control unit and a heating device. The temperature to be measured may comprise air temperature and / or eggshell temperature. In response to the measured temperature, the control unit will instruct the heating device accordingly so as to follow the temperature course over time to which a number of eggs should be exposed. The heating device may be any suitable heat source associated with the egg storage section. It is conceivable that a common heat source is provided, which is distributed to each egg storage section in a controlled manner.

[0046] In an embodiment of the egg storage device according to the present invention, the egg storage section comprises several compartments, wherein at least two respective compartments of the several compartments have their own respective temperature control systems so that the at least two respective compartments can be operated at different temperatures. Having "own respective temperature control systems" means that the temperature can be controlled individually in any of the two respective compartments.

[0047] In an embodiment of the egg storage device according to the invention, the egg storage section comprises several respective compartments, and wherein each of the several respective compartments comprises a respective temperature control system to control the temperature in the respective compartment according to a respective temperature course over time to which the several eggs should be exposed.

[0048] In an embodiment of the egg storage device according to the invention, the egg storage section comprises a partition member for temporarily separating adjacent compartments of the several compartments. This allows for a flexible partitioning of the egg storage section.

[0049] In an embodiment of the egg storage device according to the invention, the dividing means comprises a temporary cover enclosing the egg trolleys, and the temperature control system controls the temperature within the egg trolleys.It will be clear that the temporary cover may enclose any suitable number of trolleys.

[0050] According to the present invention, there is provided a hatchery, the hatchery comprising:

[0051] - an egg storage system as defined above, and

[0052] - an incubation device separate from the egg storage section and configured for incubating the eggs during an incubation period at an incubation temperature until hatching is to occur.

[0053] The hatching itself is usually completed in an incubator at a hatchery. During an incubation window of about 2 days, all eggs in a number of eggs are hatched in an incubator.

[0054] In an embodiment of the hatchery according to the invention, the hatchery comprises a central control unit which is operatively coupled both to the temperature control system of the egg storage section and to the temperature control system of the incubation device, wherein the central control unit comprises instructions according to the temperature course over time that the number of eggs should be exposed to. The central control unit allows a more smooth transition of the number of eggs from the egg storage section to the incubation device, wherein temperature stresses are reduced as much as possible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The present invention will now be discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a hatchery according to the invention;

[0057] Figure 2 shows a front view of an embodiment of an egg storage system according to the present invention;

[0058] Figure 3 shows a graph of the temperature course over time according to the invention,

[0059] Figure 4 shows a graph of several temperature courses over time in an embodiment according to the invention;

[0060] Figure 5 is a type of "stacked bar graph" of subsequent steps in an embodiment of the method according to the invention; and

[0061] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing steps in an embodiment of a method according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Figure 1 A schematic front view of a hatchery 1 according to the present invention is shown. The hatchery 1 comprises an egg storage system 2. The egg storage system 2 is configured for use in the method according to the present invention as described. The egg storage system 2 comprises an egg storage section 4a. The egg storage section 4a is configured for storing eggs 28 during a storage heating period before incubation. The egg storage section 4a is configured to heat the eggs from an initial temperature to a set temperature. Therefore, the egg storage section 4a comprises a temperature control system 6a to control the temperature in the egg storage section. The temperature control system 6a comprises a heating device 9a to supply heat to the egg storage section 6a. The temperature control system 6a comprises a temperature sensor 10a to measure the temperature in the egg storage section 6a.

[0063] In this case, the hatchery comprises a central control unit 27. The central control unit 27 is operatively coupled to both the temperature control systems 6a, 6b of the egg storage section 3 and the temperature control system 26 of the incubation device 11. The central control unit 27 comprises a temperature control unit 27 which controls the temperature of the incubator 11 according to the temperature to which the eggs should be exposed. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The temperature course 16 , 19 , 20 , 21 over time is shown as an instruction.

[0064] In this case, the egg storage system comprises several egg storage sections 4a, 4b. The egg storage section 4a may also be referred to as a compartment 4a of an egg storage section. Here, the egg storage system 2 has two egg storage sections 4a, 4b. In this case, the two respective compartments 4a, 4b each have their own respective temperature control system 6a, 6b, so that at least two respective compartments can be operated at different temperatures. The temperature in the two respective compartments 4a, 4b can be controlled individually. For each of the two respective compartments 4a, 4b, its own individual temperature course over time to which the several eggs in the respective compartment should be exposed can be determined.

[0065] In this case, each of the several respective compartments 4a, 4b comprises a respective temperature control system 6a, 6b to control the temperature in the respective compartment 4a, 4b. Thus, the temperature and the temperature course over time can be tailored to the several eggs in the respective compartment 4a, 4b.

[0066] The hatchery 1 includes an egg storage system 2 and an incubation device 11. The incubation device 11 is separate from the egg storage section 3. The incubation device 11 is configured to incubate eggs during an incubation period at an incubation temperature. As an industry standard, the incubation period is typically 21 days. The incubation temperature is typically 100°F, which is approximately 37.8°C.

[0067] Figure 2 A front view of an egg storage section 3 in an embodiment of an egg storage system according to the present invention is shown. In this case, the egg storage section 3 comprises an egg compartment formed by an egg trolley 7. The trolley 7 contains a number of egg trays 12. The trays 12 may be stacked or configured to be stackable. The egg trays 12 are filled with poultry eggs 28, in this case chicken eggs.

[0068] The trolley 7 is enclosed by a cover 8 which isolates the interior of the trolley 7 from the surrounding environment to such an extent that the temperature inside the trolley 7 can be controlled. The egg storage section 3 includes a temperature control system 6c to control the temperature within the interior of the trolley 7. The cover 8 is configured as a temporary cover that can be easily placed on and removed from the trolley 7. In this case, the cover 8 encloses one trolley 7, however any suitable number of trolleys 7 is contemplated.

[0069] Figure 3 A graph 12 showing a temperature course 13 over time according to the invention is shown. The graph illustrates a temperature course 13 over time to which several eggs are exposed during the method according to the invention.

[0070] The method for incubating poultry eggs in a hatchery 1 is referred to below Figures 1 to 3 A method for incubating poultry eggs in a hatchery 1 comprises the step of receiving a number of eggs upon arrival in a storage section 3. The number of eggs usually originates from a farm where the eggs are laid and is transported to the hatchery to be incubated there until hatching occurs.

[0071] The method for incubating poultry eggs in a hatchery 1 comprises the step of storing a number of eggs for a storage heating period of at least 1 day, such as several days, for example 2 to 4 days, in an egg storage section 3. The egg storage section 3 acts as a buffer which can improve the filling level of the incubation device 11.

[0072] The method for incubating poultry eggs in a hatchery 1 comprises the steps of transporting 5 a number of eggs from a storage section 3 into an incubation device 11 .

[0073] The method for incubating poultry eggs in a hatchery 1 comprises the steps of incubating a number of eggs in an incubation device 11 during an incubation period until hatching occurs.

[0074] In the context of the present invention, it is important that the method for incubating poultry eggs in a hatchery 1 includes a step of determining a temperature course 13 over time to which a number of eggs should be exposed based on the arrival time and the desired hatching moment. In other words, the step of determining the temperature course 13 over time can only be performed when the arrival time and the desired hatching moment are known or as soon as they are known. The temperature course over time includes at least a temperature increase phase 16 from an initial temperature 23 to a set temperature 24 during a storage heating period in the storage section. The set temperature 24 is between physiological zero and the incubation temperature. In this case, the set temperature 24 is similar to the incubation temperature, which is typically about 100°F (37.8°C). Therefore, in this case, the temperature course 13 over time includes heating a number of eggs in the incubation device 11 from the set temperature 23 to the incubation temperature 24. The initial temperature 23 as shown is a typical storage temperature of about or less than 64°F (17.8°C). Of course, it is conceivable that the temperature reached by the eggs is slightly different from the initial temperature 23.

[0075] In the context of the present invention, it is important that the method for incubating poultry eggs in a hatchery 1 comprises the step of heating a number of eggs from an initial temperature 23 to a set temperature 24 during a storage heating period.

[0076] In this case, the egg storage section 3 comprises several compartments 4a, 4b, wherein at least two respective compartments of the several compartments have their own respective temperature control systems 6a, 6b, so that the at least two respective compartments can be operated at different temperatures. As a result, the step of determining the temperature course 13 over time can be or is done separately for the two compartments 6a, 6b. Each compartment 6a, 6b has its own temperature course 13 over time.

[0077] In this case, heating the number of eggs in the storage section from the initial temperature 23 to the set temperature 24 in stage 16 includes increasing the temperature in a linear progression during at least 20% of the storage heating period (in this case during the entire storage heating period). In other words, the method includes minimizing the temperature gradient during the storage heating period during the heating stage 16 of the number of eggs over an interval of at least 12 hours. In a different method, during the step of heating the number of eggs, during the storage heating period from physiological zero 25 to the set temperature 24, the temperature gradient over a time interval of 24 hours is between 0.075°F (0.042°C) / hour and 0.85°F (0.47°C) / hour. The temperature gradient does not exceed 1°F (0.56°C) / hour.

[0078] In this case, the temperature course 13 over time comprises a predetermined activation period 15. During the activation period 15, a number of eggs are heated from an initial temperature 23 to a physiological zero 25. The activation period 15 is "predetermined" in the sense that it can be determined independently of the arrival time and the desired hatching moment. The activation period is a standard period of typically about 5 hours.

[0079] In this case, the temperature course 13 over time comprises a predetermined adaptation period 14 , in which several eggs are maintained at an initial temperature 23 .

[0080] The determination of the temperature course 13 over time to which the number of eggs should be exposed starts as soon as possible, preferably directly after the arrival time. It will be clear that thereafter, the execution of the temperature course 13 over time starts as soon as possible by instructing the temperature controller 6a accordingly.

[0081] The method according to the invention is particularly useful for long term storage of eggs.

[0082] Figure 4 Graphs showing several temperature courses 16, 19, 20, 21 over time in an embodiment according to the invention. Figure 3 The temperature courses shown in are identical and are shown here as a comparison.

[0083] All temperature courses 19, 20, 21 and 16 over time comprise a predetermined adaptation period 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d, in which the eggs are maintained at the initial temperature 23. The duration of the adaptation period differs depending on the time allocated to heating the eggs in the storage section 3.

[0084] In this case, all temperature courses 19, 20, 21 and 16 over time include a predetermined activation period 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d. In the activation period 15, a number of eggs are heated from an initial temperature 23 to a physiological zero 25. The activation period 15 is "predetermined" in the sense that it can be determined independently of the arrival time and the desired hatching moment. The activation period is a standard period of usually about 5 hours.

[0085] All temperature courses 19, 20, 21 and 16 over time include temperature increase phases 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d from an initial temperature 23 to a set temperature 24 during a storage heating period in the storage section. The set temperature 24 is between physiological zero and the incubation temperature. In the case of the temperature course 16, the set temperature 24 is similar to the incubation temperature, which is typically about 100°F (37.8°C). The temperature courses 19, 20, 21 differ from the temperature course 16 in that the temperature increase during the storage heating period in the storage section is from the initial temperature 23 to a set temperature roughly just between physiological zero 25 and the incubation temperature 24. This means that the temperature gradient can be further minimized, as clearly shown. In other words, several eggs continue to be heated in the incubation device 11. Therefore, the temperature courses 19, 20, 21 over time are performed in both the storage section 3 and the incubation device 11.

[0086] Due to the heating of several eggs during the storage heating period and in the storage section 3, the method allows the incubation period to be adjusted according to the storage heating period and the degree of heating. In other words, the heating of several eggs during the storage heating period affects the stay in the incubation device and the stay at the hatchery 1. In particular, the incubation period is reduced by at least 12 hours compared to the industry standard of 21 days.

[0087] The aspect in which the heating of a number of eggs during the storage heating period affects the stay in the incubator and the stay at the hatchery 1 is also discussed. Figure 5 , which shows a "stacked bar chart" of subsequent steps in an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The stacked bars 19, 20, 16 correspond to the following steps: Figure 4 The temperature course 19, 20, 16 over time is shown to be similar to the temperature course. As a comparison, the prior art way of incubating eggs is shown in the superimposed bar 22. In that case, the poultry embryos are only activated and heated outside of storage.

[0088] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of step 25 in an embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown. Method step 25 comprises organizing and / or grouping a number of eggs into egg batches. This thus enables all embryos of a number of eggs to have the same age, which enables the use of a heating profile in a so-called single-stage incubator. Here, carts 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are grouped into egg batches of carts 7a and 7b on the one hand and carts 7c and 7d on the other hand. Thus, a suitable temperature course over time can be determined individually for each egg batch in an egg batch.

[0089] The invention has been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications and alternative embodiments of some parts or elements are possible and are included within the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for incubating poultry eggs in a hatchery (1), the hatchery comprising: - an egg storage section (3) configured for storing eggs, - an incubation device (11) separate from the egg storage section and configured for incubating the eggs during an incubation period at an incubation temperature, The method comprises the following steps: - receiving a number of eggs (28) in the storage section at the arrival time, - storing a number of eggs in the egg storage section for a storage heating period of at least 1 day, and - transporting (5) the eggs from the storage section to the incubation device, - incubating the number of eggs in the incubation device during the incubation period until hatching occurs, Among them, the method includes: - determining a temperature course over time (16, 19, 20, 21) to which the number of eggs should be exposed based on the arrival time and the desired hatching moment, wherein the temperature course over time comprises at least a temperature increase from an initial temperature to a set temperature between physiological zero and the incubation temperature during the storage heating period in the storage section, - controlled heating of the eggs from the initial temperature to the set temperature during the storage heating period according to the temperature course over time.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The egg storage section comprises a plurality of compartments (4a, 4b), wherein at least two respective compartments of the plurality of compartments have their own respective temperature control systems so as to enable the at least two respective compartments to be operated at different temperatures.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The step of determining the temperature course over time is performed individually for at least one compartment of the several compartments.

4. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising organizing and / or grouping the several eggs into egg batches and determining the temperature course over time individually for each of these egg batches.

5. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: The storage heating period in the storage section is at least 24 hours, more preferably at least 48 hours and even more preferably more than 96 hours.

6. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: Heating the number of eggs in the storage section from the initial temperature to the set temperature includes increasing the temperature during at least 80% of the storage heating period, in particular during the entire storage heating period.

7. The method according to the preceding claim comprises increasing the temperature in a linear progression during the storage heating period over intervals of at least 12 hours, in particular over intervals of at least 50% of the storage heating period, more particularly over approximately the entire storage heating period.

8. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: During the step of heating the plurality of eggs, during the storage heating period from the initial temperature to the set temperature, the gradient over a 24 hour time interval is between 0.075°F (0.042°C) / hour and about 1°F (0.56°C) / hour.

9. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising using approximately the entire storage heating period to heat the eggs uniformly over time.

10. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising adjusting the incubation period according to the storage heating period.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising reducing the incubation period by at least 12 hours compared to industry standards.

12. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: The temperature course over time includes a predetermined acclimatization period, wherein the number of eggs are maintained at the initial temperature in the storage section, or are brought to storage temperature in the egg storage section and then maintained at the initial temperature in the storage section.

13. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: The temperature course over time includes a predetermined activation period, wherein the number of eggs are heated in the egg storage section from the initial temperature to the physiological zero.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The storage heating period is at least four times the predetermined activation period.

15. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: The determination of the temperature course over time to which the number of eggs should be exposed starts as soon as possible, preferably directly after the arrival time.

16. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: The plurality of eggs include long term stored eggs.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The set temperature is the incubation temperature or approximately the incubation temperature.

18. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The temperature process over time includes heating the plurality of eggs in the incubation device from the set temperature to the incubation temperature.

19. An egg storage system (2) for use in the method of the preceding claim, the egg storage system comprising an egg storage section (4a) configured for storing eggs during a storage heating period prior to incubation, wherein The egg storage section is configured to heat eggs from an initial temperature to a set temperature, wherein the egg storage section comprises a temperature control system (6a) to control the temperature in the egg storage section according to the temperature course over time to which the number of eggs should be exposed.

20. The egg storage system (2) according to claim 19, wherein: The egg storage section comprises a plurality of compartments (4a, 4b), wherein at least two respective compartments of the plurality of compartments have their own respective temperature control systems (6a, 6b) to enable the at least two respective compartments to be operated at different temperatures.

21. The egg storage system (2) according to claim 20, wherein: Each of the number of respective compartments includes a respective temperature control system to control the temperature in the respective compartment according to the respective temperature course over time to which the number of eggs should be exposed.

22. An egg storage system according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The egg storage section includes a partition member (8) for temporarily separating adjacent compartments (4a, 4b) of the plurality of compartments.

23. The egg storage system of claim 22, wherein: The partition member comprises a temporary cover (8) surrounding the egg trolley (7), and the temperature control system controls the temperature within the egg trolley.

24. A hatchery comprising: - an egg storage system according to any of the preceding claims 19 to 23, and - an incubation device separate from the egg storage section and configured for incubating the eggs during an incubation period at an incubation temperature until hatching is to occur.

25. A hatchery according to claim 24, comprising a central control unit (27) operatively coupled to both the temperature control system (6a, 6b) of the egg storage section (3) and the temperature control system (26) of the incubation device (11), wherein The central control unit includes instructions according to the temperature course over time to which the number of eggs should be exposed.

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