Improved heating procedure for incubating poultry eggs

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for incubating a plurality of poultry eggs in a hatchery, the method comprising the following steps: controlled heating of the plurality of poultry eggs in a multi-step egg heating process until incubation occurs wherein the multi-step egg heating process comprises at least:-an initial incubation phase, wherein the plurality of poultry eggs are uniformly heated from physiological zero to an incubation temperature during an initial incubation period between 4-8 days, and subsequently-the eggs are maintained at the incubation temperature during a main incubation period.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for hatching a plurality of avian eggs at a hatchery, the method comprising the steps of: controlled heating of the plurality of avian eggs in a multi-step egg heating process until hatching occurs.

[0002] EP 2105048 A1 relates to farming and aims to provide a means for providing poultry with higher livability, better growth and better nutrient uptake efficiency that can easily be implemented at a poultry farm. Therefore, EP 2105048 A1 teaches that during the last third of the farming period, the temperature is increased from a base temperature to an adapted temperature of 38.0°C - 39.8°C for a total of between 30 minutes to 6 hours per day. EP 2105048 A1 is thus an example of applying a temperature increase program in a single-stage incubator. In so-called single-stage incubators, all embryo ages are the same, creating the conditions for the use of a "temperature increase program". In contrast, in multi-stage incubators, embryo ages are different, and a temperature increase program is not used.

[0003] NL 2011847 relates to a method for hatching eggs in a single-stage incubator. In NL 2011847, it was found that a uniform heating of the eggs from physiological zero to the hatching temperature between 5 and 20 hours achieves a better hatchability and a better average chick mass, which is surprising.

[0004] Generally, there are two ways or methods to start the hatching process in a single-stage incubator. In both ways, the temperature increase program comprises two temperature increase phases. The first phase is a temperature increase from a storage temperature (20°C or lower) to a temperature of about 25°C. The second phase is a temperature increase from a temperature of about 25°C to a temperature of about 37.8°C. In both existing methods, the first phase aims to prevent condensation on the eggs, which is undesirable as it can promote the growth of bacteria.

[0005] The first method to prevent condensation is to increase the eggs to 25°C in a transition tunnel in front of the incubator. When the eggs reach a temperature of about 25°C, the eggs are placed in the incubator and the incubator is increased as fast as possible to an air temperature of about 37.8°C. Heating the eggs as fast as possible from about 25°C to an air temperature of about 37.8°C is an industry standard. In the transition tunnel in front of the incubator, the eggs do not get a uniform temperature increase, as the air flow through the eggs is not controlled.

[0006] A second method to prevent condensation is to place the eggs from the storage room immediately in the incubator. In the incubator, the eggs are warmed to a temperature of about 25°C according to a warming program. After the air temperature of 25°C is reached, the incubator warms the eggs in the second phase to a temperature of about 37.8°C as fast as possible. Both methods clearly show that heating the eggs from about 25°C to an air temperature of about 37.8°C as fast as possible is the industry standard.

[0007] There is still room for improvement in the field of farming, more in particular in the field of egg incubation. SUMMARY

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for incubating eggs, which has an improved efficiency. This improved efficiency can relate to a better hatchability and a better average chick quality. Hatchability here refers to the percentage of chicks hatched from a batch of eggs.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to improve the known method for incubating eggs, since the problems associated therewith are at least partly solved.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative method for incubating eggs.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, this is achieved by a method for incubating a plurality of avian eggs at an incubation farm, the method comprising the steps of:

[0012] - an initial incubation phase, in which the plurality of avian eggs is uniformly heated from physiological zero to an incubation temperature during an initial incubation period of between 4-8 days, and subsequently

[0013] - maintaining the eggs at the incubation temperature during a main incubation period.

[0014] Heating from physiological zero of about 85°F to the incubation temperature during 4-8 days increases the number of marketable chicks hatched from a batch of eggs by about 0.8% to 22.5% compared to the industry standard, in which the eggs are rapidly heated to the incubation temperature (e.g. within 8 hours). Research shows that the present invention results in an average increase of 3.5% in the number of marketable chicks hatched from a batch of eggs. The increase in hatchability is due to a reduction in embryo mortality of 1.5% to 21.8% during the first week of incubation, and a reduction of about 1% in embryo mortality during the last week of incubation.

[0015] The quality of the chicks hatched according to the method of the present invention is also improved, as evidenced by a length of the chicks at the moment of hatching of 0.1 to 0.4 cm longer. The length of the chick is a measure of the skeleton development and the utilization of the yolk during embryonic development, a longer chick develops better and is of better quality.

[0016] Furthermore, the method according to the present invention leads to a more uniform hatching process, as evidenced by a hatching time range of 7 hours shorter between the first and the last hatched chick. In other words, the hatching window is shortened or can be shortened, which is advantageous in production planning. The planability of the hatching window is improved.

[0017] According to the present invention, the physiological zero point of about 85°F is slowly gradually heated to the incubation temperature during a period of 4-8 days, which is in sharp contrast to the industry standard practice. The industry standard is to heat as fast as possible from the physiological zero point of about 85°F to the incubation temperature in about 8 hours.

[0018] It is also generally understood in commercial egg incubation that the incubation process takes about 21 days. The research department of HatchTech has found that according to the present invention, the egg incubation process should take about 24 days. This prolongation of the incubation process is due to the present invention that the egg should be slowly gradually heated from the physiological zero point of about 85°F during a period of 4-8 days, after which the incubation continues at about 100°F until hatching occurs at about 24 days after the start of the temperature increase. In contrast, in the industry standard, this heating process (between 85°F and 100°F) is not seen as part of the actual incubation phase. On the contrary, the industry standard is to see this process as a "pre-heat" in a process of 3 to at most 24 hours, after which 100°F is seen as the start of the incubation, and hatching occurs at about 21 days after the start of the temperature increase. In the industry standard, a heating period of more than 24 hours between 85°F and 100°F has never been tried before, because they increase the total incubation period, which is of course considered a disadvantage in the industry standard.

[0019] The present invention is mainly directed at chicken eggs of the broiler (meat chicken) and the layer (egg chicken) lines. The principle of slowly gradually heating the avian egg from the physiological zero point to the incubation temperature during a period of 4-8 days is likely to also apply to other poultry species. Since the time needed for embryonic development naturally differs between species, the total incubation time for other poultry species will exceed the optimal 24 days for chickens, and the actual optimal duration will be extended at the same rate as the chicken incubation is extended from 21 to 24 days.

[0020] In an embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the initial incubation period is about 6 days. It has been found that the positive effects as described above are optimal when the initial incubation period is about 6 days. In other words, the positive effects increase between 4 and 6 days, and then level off between 6 and 8 days.

[0021] In an embodiment of the method according to the application, the main incubation period is between 17-20 days.

[0022] In an embodiment of the method according to the application, the sum of the initial incubation period and the main incubation period is between 23-26 days, preferably about 24 days.

[0023] In an embodiment of the method according to the application, the multi-step egg heating process comprises heating the plurality of avian eggs from a storage temperature to the physiological zero point.

[0024] In an embodiment of the method according to the application, the multi-step egg heating process comprises pre-determining a temperature course over time to which the plurality of avian eggs should be exposed based on the time of arrival at the hatchery and the desired hatch time, and subsequently controlled heating the plurality of avian eggs according to the temperature course over time. Pre-determining a temperature course over time to which the plurality of avian eggs should be exposed based on the time of arrival at the hatchery and the desired hatch time improves the planability of the incubation process while incorporating the initial incubation period.

[0025] In an embodiment of the method according to the application, the method comprises increasing the temperature during the initial incubation phase with a substantially linear progression over an interval of at least 12 hours, in particular over an interval of at least 50% of the initial incubation phase, more in particular during about the entire initial incubation phase. Increasing the temperature during the initial incubation phase with a substantially linear progression improves the predictability of the incubation process and its outcome, which is advantageous for the operation of the hatchery.

[0026] In an embodiment of the method according to the application, during the initial incubation phase, the gradient over a time interval of 12 hours is between about 0.05°F / hour and about 0.16°F / hour.

[0027] In an embodiment of the method according to the application, the method comprises pre-determining the main incubation period from the initial incubation phase. The present application allows for a certain degree of freedom in setting the hatch time by defining an initial incubation period of 4-8 days and a corresponding main incubation period. This is advantageous for the operation of the hatchery.

[0028] In an embodiment of the method according to the application, the method comprises reducing the main incubation period by at least 48 hours compared to the industry standard of 21 days. The reduction of the main incubation period will vary depending on the duration of the initial incubation phase, and can even be reduced by about 4 days. In other words, the prolongation of the initial incubation phase does not lead to the same prolongation of the sum of the initial incubation period and the main incubation period. Part of the front-end time consumption can be made up during the main incubation period.

[0029] In an embodiment of the method according to the application, the plurality of avian eggs comprises long-term stored eggs.

[0030] Generally, long-term storage of eggs has a negative impact on hatchability. Another advantage of the present invention is that the negative impact of long-term storage is reduced. This allows a wider time window after laying for the batch of eggs to be hatched.

[0031] In this regard, egg storage refers to the storage of eggs at a temperature of 20°C or lower for a few days between the moment of laying and the start of the incubation process. This storage is for logistical purposes and aims to complete a full run of the incubation installation. The duration of the egg storage can vary. Short-term storage refers to storage of 7 days or less. Long-term storage refers to storage of more than 7 days.

[0032] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the multi-step egg heating process is started as soon as possible after laying the plurality of avian eggs, preferably within 24 hours after laying the plurality of avian eggs. Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows for more flexibility in egg planning. In the current industry standard, eggs are stored for 2-4 days after the day of laying to stabilize the pH and improve hatchability. Eggs are preferably not stored for more than 7 days, as hatchability starts to decrease after more than 7 days. With the present invention, eggs can even be hatched on the day of laying.

[0033] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises:

[0034] - providing a temperature control system comprising a heat source, a temperature sensor and a control unit,

[0035] - increasing the temperature set value of the control unit in steps, wherein the temperature set value step increase is between 0.05°F / hour and about 0.16°F / hour.

[0036] Using small step increases for the set value ensures that the eggs can more easily adapt to the increase in temperature. This can compensate for differences in size and composition of the eggs.

[0037] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises providing a climate chamber and a forced air system for uniformly heating the climate chamber and generating an air flow along the plurality of avian eggs, and wherein preferably the temperature sensor is located downstream of the eggs.

[0038] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises operating the climate chamber under first ventilation conditions during the initial incubation phase and under second ventilation conditions during the main incubation phase, wherein the first ventilation conditions and the second ventilation conditions are different, and wherein the ventilation conditions define one or more of C02 content, ventilation flow rate, humidity. Using different ventilation conditions enables influencing the heat capacity of the plurality of avian eggs, which in turn can contribute to uniform heating from physiological zero to the incubation temperature during the initial incubation period.

[0039] In an embodiment of the method according to the present application, the method comprises controlled heating of the plurality of avian eggs in a multi-step egg heating process, with less than 20% of the heating power of the heat source during at least 80% of the steps until hatching occurs.

[0040] In an embodiment of the method according to the present application, the physiological zero is between 78°F and 90°F, and the incubation temperature is between 98°F and 102°F, preferably about 100°F at the surface of the egg shell.

[0041] Various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined to provide additional advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] The present application will be further clarified by a consideration of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 is a graph of the egg multi-step heating process according to the present application and a prior art industry standard incubation process, and

[0044] Figure 2 shows details of the egg multi-step heating process according to the present application and two prior art temperature profiles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 is a graph showing the egg multi-step heating process 2 according to the present application and a prior art industry standard incubation process 1. The temperature in °F is shown as a function of time in days. It is apparent that in this case the initial incubation period is about 8 days. The sum of the initial incubation period and the main incubation period is about 24 days. The result shows that the egg multi-step heating process 2 only extends the industry standard process 1 of 21 days by 3 days, while at the same time during the initial incubation period of 8 days the plurality of avian eggs is slowly heated, far beyond the 3 days of increased time consumption of the initial period. This leads to a better hatch rate and better chick quality.

[0046] Figure 2 shows details of the egg multi-step heating process 2 according to the present application and two prior art profiles. The details shown relate to about the first 6 days. It is apparent that in this case the initial incubation period is about 6 days. Industry standard 1 shows a fast heating from the physiological zero to the incubation temperature in about 11 hours. Line 4 indicates the start of the 21 day incubation period common in the industry. Another prior art process 3 shows a multi-step process of heating the eggs from the physiological zero to the incubation temperature in about 20 hours.

[0047] It will also be apparent that the above description and drawings are only illustrative of some embodiments of the application and do not limit the scope of protection. From this disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate more embodiments within the scope and spirit of the application, and these embodiments will be considered within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for incubating a plurality of avian eggs at an incubation facility, the method comprising the steps of: The plurality of avian eggs is subjected to controlled heating in a multi-step egg heating process until hatching occurs, wherein the multi-step egg heating process comprises at least: - an initial incubation phase, in which the plurality of avian eggs is uniformly heated from physiological zero to an incubation temperature during an initial incubation period of between 4-8 days, and subsequently - maintaining the eggs at the incubation temperature during a main incubation period.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the initial incubation period is about 6 days.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main incubation period is between 17-20 days.

4. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the sum of the initial incubation period and the main incubation period is between 23-26 days, preferably about 24 days.

5. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the multi-step egg heating process comprises heating the plurality of avian eggs from a storage temperature to the physiological zero.

6. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the multi-step egg heating process comprises pre-determining a temperature profile over time to which the plurality of avian eggs should be exposed based on the time of arrival at the hatchery and the desired hatching moment, and subsequently subjecting the plurality of avian eggs to controlled heating according to the temperature profile over time.

7. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising increasing the temperature during the initial incubation phase with a substantially linear progression over an interval of at least 12 hours, in particular over at least 50% of the initial incubation phase, more in particular during about the entire initial incubation phase.

8. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the gradient over a time interval of 12 hours during the initial incubation phase is between about 0.05°F / hour and about 0.16°F / hour.

9. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising pre-determining the main incubation period from the initial incubation phase.

10. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising reducing the main incubation period by at least 48 hours [4 days] compared to the industry standard of 21 days.

11. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the plurality of avian eggs comprises long-term stored eggs.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1-11, wherein the multi-step egg heating process is started as soon as possible after laying the plurality of avian eggs, preferably within 24 hours after laying the plurality of avian eggs.

13. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising: - providing a temperature control system comprising a heat source, a temperature sensor and a control unit, - increasing the temperature set value of the control unit stepwise, wherein the temperature set value step increase is between 0.05°F / hour and about 0.16°F / hour.

14. The method according to claim 13, comprising providing a climate chamber and a forced air flow system for uniformly heating the climate chamber and generating an air flow along the plurality of avian eggs, and wherein preferably the temperature sensor is located downstream of the eggs.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, comprising operating the climate chamber under first ventilation conditions during the initial incubation phase, and operating the climate chamber under second ventilation conditions during the main incubation phase, wherein the first ventilation conditions and the second ventilation conditions are different, and wherein ventilation conditions define one or more of C02 content, ventilation flow rate, humidity.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, comprising controlled heating of the plurality of avian eggs in the multi-step egg heating process, such that for at least 80% of the steps in which hatching occurs, less than 20% of the heating power of the heat source is utilized.

17. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the physiological zero is between 78°F and 90°F, and the incubation temperature is between 98°F and 102°F, preferably about 100°F at the surface of the eggshell.

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