Improved heating profile for incubating poultry eggs

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for incubating a plurality of poultry eggs in a hatchery, comprising the step of controlling the heating of the plurality of poultry eggs in a multi-stage egg heating process until hatching occurs, wherein the multi-stage egg heating process comprises at least an initial incubation stage of uniformly heating the plurality of poultry eggs from physiological zero to incubation temperature during an initial incubation period of 4 to 8 days, and a subsequent main incubation period of maintaining the plurality of eggs at the incubation temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for incubating a plurality of poultry eggs in a hatchery, the method comprising the step of controllably heating the plurality of poultry eggs in a multi-stage egg heating process until incubation occurs.

Background Art

[0002] European Patent Application Publication No. 2105048A1 relates to breeding, and aims to provide means for providing poultry with higher vitality, better growth, and better nutrient absorption rate, which can be easily implemented in a poultry farm. Therefore, in European Patent Application Publication No. 2105048A1, it is taught that in the last one-third of the breeding period, the temperature is raised from the base temperature to an adaptation temperature of 38.0°C to 39.8°C over a total of 30 minutes to 6 hours per day. Therefore, European Patent Application Publication No. 2105048A1 is an example of applying a heating profile in a single-stage incubator. In a so-called single-stage incubator, all embryos are of the same age, so it is possible to utilize a "heating profile". In contrast, in a multi-stage incubator, the embryos are of different ages and a heating profile is not used.

[0003] The specification of Netherlands Patent Application Publication No. 2011847 relates to a method for hatching eggs in a single-stage incubator. In the specification of Netherlands Patent Application Publication No. 2011847, it has been surprisingly found that by uniformly heating the eggs from physiological zero to the incubation temperature over a period of 5 to 20 hours, the hatching rate and the average quality of the chicks are better.

[0004] Generally, there are two ways to initiate the incubation process in a single-stage incubator. In both methods, the heating profile includes two heating stages. The first stage is heating from the storage temperature (below 20°C) to around 25°C. The second stage is heating from around 25°C to around 37.8°C. In both existing methods, the first stage is intended to prevent condensation of the eggs, which is undesirable as it can promote bacterial growth.

[0005] The first method to prevent condensation is to warm the eggs to 25°C in the passageway in front of the setter. Once the eggs reach approximately 25°C, they are placed in the setter, and the setter is heated to an air temperature of approximately 37.8°C as quickly as possible. Heating the eggs from approximately 25°C to an air temperature of approximately 37.8°C as quickly as possible is the industry standard. In the passageway in front of the setter, the airflow over the eggs is not controlled, so the eggs are not heated uniformly.

[0006] A second method to prevent condensation is to quickly place the eggs from the storage chamber into the setter. Inside the setter, the eggs are heated to a temperature of around 25°C according to the heating profile. After reaching an air temperature of 25°C, the incubator heats the eggs to a temperature of around 37.8°C as quickly as possible in the second stage. From both methods, it is clear that heating the eggs from around 25°C to an air temperature of around 37.8°C as quickly as possible is the industry standard. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] There is room for improvement in rearing, and more specifically, in egg hatching. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an egg incubation method with improved efficiency. This improved efficiency can lead to better hatching rates and better average quality of chicks. Here, hatching rate refers to the percentage of chicks that hatch from a group of eggs.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to improve known methods for hatching eggs and to at least partially solve the problems associated with these methods.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative method for hatching eggs.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this is a method for incubating a plurality of poultry eggs in a hatchery, comprising the step of controlling the heating of the plurality of poultry eggs in a multi-stage egg heating process until hatching occurs, the multi-stage egg heating process is - During the initial incubation period of 4-8 days, the initial incubation stage involves uniformly heating multiple poultry eggs from physiological zero to the incubation temperature, and the subsequent... - Maintain the eggs at incubation temperature during the main incubation period. This is achieved by a method that includes at least the following:

[0012] Heating eggs from physiological zero (approximately 85°F) to incubation temperature over 4–8 days increases the number of marketable chicks hatched from a flock by approximately 0.8–22.5% compared to industry standards that rapidly heat eggs to incubation temperature (e.g., within 8 hours). Studies have shown that the present invention increases the number of marketable chicks hatched from a flock by an average of 3.5%. This increase in hatching rate is attributed to a 1.5–21.8% reduction in embryo mortality during the first week of incubation and a reduction of approximately 1% in embryo mortality during the final week of incubation.

[0013] Furthermore, the quality of chicks hatched using the method according to the present invention is improved, as evidenced by the fact that the body length of the chicks at the moment of hatching is 0.1 to 0.4 cm longer. The body length of a chick is a measure of body development and yolk utilization during embryonic development; the longer the chick, the more developed it is and the better its quality.

[0014] Furthermore, the method according to the present invention significantly improves the uniformity of the hatching process, as evidenced by the 7-hour reduction in the hatching time span from the first to the last chick. In other words, the hatching time frame is shortened, or can be shortened, which is advantageous in production planning. The planning capabilities of the hatching time frame are improved.

[0015] Heating from physiological zero (approximately 85°F) to incubation temperature over 4 to 8 days, as described in this invention, is significantly contrary to industry standards. Industry standards require heating from physiological zero (approximately 85°F) to incubation temperature as quickly as possible, in approximately 8 hours.

[0016] Commercial egg incubation is generally understood to take approximately 21 days. However, a HatchTech laboratory has found that, according to this invention, the egg incubation process should take approximately 24 days. This extension of the incubation process stems from the invention's practice of slowly and gradually heating the eggs from physiological zero (approximately 85°F) over 4–8 days, followed by sustained incubation at approximately 100°F until hatching occurs approximately 24 days after the start of heating. In contrast, industry standards do not consider this heating process from 85°F to 100°F as part of the actual incubation stage. Instead, industry standards consider this process as a "preheating" phase lasting 3–24 hours, after which 100°F is considered the start of incubation, with hatching occurring approximately 21 days after the start of heating. Industry standards have never attempted heating periods exceeding 24 hours at 85°F to 100°F, as this would lengthen the total incubation period. This is naturally considered disadvantageous by industry standards.

[0017] This invention focuses on chicken eggs from both meat (broiler) and egg (layer) strains. The principle of slowly and gradually heating poultry eggs from physiological zero to incubation temperature over 4 to 8 days is also highly likely to be applicable to other poultry breeds. Since the time required for embryonic development naturally varies between species, the total incubation time for other poultry breeds will exceed the optimal 24 days found for chickens, and the actual optimal period will be extended at the same rate as the 21 to 24-day chicken incubation period.

[0018] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the initial incubation period is approximately 6 days. The above-mentioned positive effect has been found to be optimal when the initial incubation period is approximately 6 days. In other words, this positive effect increases from 4 to 6 days and then levels off from 6 to 8 days.

[0019] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the main incubation period is 17 to 20 days.

[0020] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the sum of the initial incubation period and the main incubation period is 23 to 26 days, preferably about 24 days.

[0021] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the multi-stage egg heating process includes heating multiple poultry eggs from storage temperature to physiological zero.

[0022] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the multi-stage egg heating process includes predetermining the time-dependent temperature changes to which a plurality of poultry eggs should be exposed, based on the time of arrival at the hatchery and the desired moment of hatching, and then controlling the heating of the plurality of poultry eggs according to this time-dependent temperature changes. Predetermining the time-dependent temperature changes to which a plurality of poultry eggs should be exposed, based on the time of arrival at the hatchery and the desired moment of hatching, improves the planning of the incubation process, including the initial incubation period.

[0023] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method includes increasing the temperature during the initial incubation phase in a substantially linear manner at intervals of at least 12 hours, more specifically at intervals of at least 50% of the initial incubation phase, and more specifically over substantially the entire initial incubation phase. Increasing the temperature during the initial incubation phase in a substantially linear manner improves the predictability of the incubation process and its results, which is advantageous when operating an incubator.

[0024] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the gradient over a 12-hour time interval during the initial incubation stage is approximately 0.05°F / hour to approximately 0.16°F / hour.

[0025] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method includes determining in advance a main incubation period according to an initial incubation stage. According to the present invention, by defining an initial incubation period within 4 to 8 days and a corresponding main incubation period, it is possible to set the moment of hatching freely to some extent. This is advantageous when operating an incubation farm.

[0026] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method includes shortening the main incubation period by at least 48 hours compared to the industry standard of 21 days. Depending on the duration of the initial incubation stage, the shortening of the main incubation period will vary and may be about 4 days. In other words, even if the initial incubation stage is extended, the total of the initial incubation period and the main incubation period will not be extended in the same way. During the main incubation period, a certain amount of lead time is recovered.

[0027] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the plurality of poultry eggs includes eggs that have been stored for a long time.

[0028] Generally, long-term storage of eggs has an adverse effect on the hatching rate. Another advantage of the present invention is that the adverse effect caused by long-term storage is reduced. This makes it possible to set batches of eggs within a wider time frame after egg laying.

[0029] In this regard, the storage of eggs refers to storing the eggs at a temperature of 20°C or lower for several days between the moment of egg laying and the start of the incubation process. This storage is for logistics purposes and aims to complete the filling of the incubation device. The storage period of eggs can vary. Storage for 7 days or less is short-term storage. Storage exceeding 7 days is long-term storage.

[0030] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, a multi-stage egg heating process is started as soon as possible after the laying of multiple poultry eggs, preferably within 24 hours after the laying of multiple poultry eggs. Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows for greater flexibility in egg planning. Current industry standards require eggs to be stored for 2 to 4 days after laying to stabilize pH and improve hatching rates. Storing eggs for more than 7 days is undesirable because hatching rates begin to decline after this point. The present invention allows eggs to be set for incubation even on the day of laying.

[0031] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, this method is - Prepare a temperature control system including a heat source, temperature sensor, and control unit. - The temperature setpoint of the control unit is gradually increased in temperature setpoint steps of 0.05°F / hour to approximately 0.16°F / hour. Includes.

[0032] By using small setpoint steps, the eggs can more easily and reliably follow the temperature increase. This can compensate for differences in egg size and composition.

[0033] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method comprises preparing a climate chamber and a forced airflow system for uniformly heating the climate chamber and generating an airflow along a plurality of poultry eggs, wherein a temperature sensor is preferably located downstream of the eggs.

[0034] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method includes operating a climate chamber under first ventilation conditions during the initial incubation stage and operating the climate chamber under second ventilation conditions during the main incubation stage, wherein the first and second ventilation conditions are different, and the ventilation conditions define one or more of the following: CO2 content, ventilation flow rate, and humidity. By using different ventilation conditions, it is possible to affect the heat capacity of multiple poultry eggs, thereby promoting uniform heating from physiological zero to incubation temperature during the initial incubation period.

[0035] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method includes utilizing the heating capacity of a heating source at less than 20% of its heating capacity for at least 80% of the steps of controlled heating of multiple poultry eggs in a multi-stage egg heating process until hatching occurs.

[0036] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the physiological zero is 78-90°F, and the incubation temperature is 98-102°F, preferably about 100°F, on the eggshell surface.

[0037] Further advantages can be obtained by combining the various embodiments discussed in this patent.

[0038] The present invention will be further clarified with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] This graph shows the multi-stage egg heating process according to the present invention and the prior art industry-standard incubation process. [Figure 2] This document details the multi-stage egg heating process according to the present invention and the temperature profiles of two prior art examples. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] Figure 1 shows a graph comparing the multi-stage egg heating process 2 according to the present invention with the prior art industry standard incubation process 1. Temperature (°F) is shown against time (days). In this case, it is clear that the initial incubation period is approximately 8 days. The sum of the initial incubation period and the main incubation period is approximately 24 days. Compared to the industry standard process 1, which is 21 days, the multi-stage egg heating process 2 is only 3 days longer, and at the same time, it is shown that multiple poultry eggs benefit from gradual heating during the initial incubation period of 8 days, which is much longer than the 3-day increase in lead time. This results in better hatching rates and chick quality.

[0041] Figure 2 shows details of the multi-stage egg heating process 2 according to the present invention and profiles of two prior art processes. The details shown relate to the first approximately 6 days. In this case, the initial incubation period is approximately 6 days. Industry standard 1 shows rapid heating from physiological zero to incubation temperature in approximately 11 hours. Line 4 shows the start of a 21-day incubation period, which is common in the industry. Another prior art process 3 shows a multi-stage process that heats the egg from physiological zero to incubation temperature in approximately 20 hours.

[0042] Furthermore, it is clear that the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many further embodiments that are within the scope and essence of the present invention and constitute an obvious combination of the teachings of the prior art and the disclosure of this patent will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for incubating multiple poultry eggs in a hatchery, comprising the step of controlling the heating of the multiple poultry eggs in a multi-stage egg heating process until hatching occurs, wherein the multi-stage egg heating process is - During the initial incubation period of 4 to 8 days, the initial incubation stage involves uniformly heating the multiple poultry eggs from physiological zero to incubation temperature, and the subsequent... - Maintain the eggs at the incubation temperature during the main incubation period. A method that includes at least the following.

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

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

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sum of the initial incubation period and the main incubation period is 23 to 26 days, preferably about 24 days.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the multi-stage egg heating process includes heating the plurality of poultry eggs from storage temperature to physiological zero.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the multi-stage egg heating process comprises predetermining the time-dependent temperature changes to which the plurality of poultry eggs should be exposed, based on the time of arrival at the hatchery and the desired moment of hatching, and thereafter controlling the heating of the plurality of poultry eggs according to the time-dependent temperature changes.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising increasing the temperature during the initial incubation stage at intervals of at least 12 hours, more specifically at intervals of at least 50% of the initial incubation stage, and more specifically over substantially the entire initial incubation stage, in a substantially linear manner.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the initial incubation stage, the gradient over a 12-hour time interval is approximately 0.05°F / hour to approximately 0.16°F / hour.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising predetermining the main incubation period according to the initial incubation stage.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising shortening the main incubation period by at least 48 hours [4 days] compared to the industry standard of 21 days.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of poultry eggs include eggs that have been stored for a long period of time.

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

13. - Prepare a temperature control system including a heat source, temperature sensor, and control unit. - The temperature setpoint of the control unit is raised in steps of 0.05°F / hour to approximately 0.16°F / hour. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, including the method described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The method according to claim 13, comprising preparing a climate chamber and a forced airflow system for uniformly heating the climate chamber and generating an airflow along the plurality of poultry eggs, 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 stage and operating the climate chamber under second ventilation conditions during the main incubation stage, wherein the first and second ventilation conditions are different, and the ventilation conditions define one or more of CO2 content, ventilation flow rate, and humidity.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising using the heating capacity of the heating source at less than 20% of its heating capacity for at least 80% of the steps of controlling heating the plurality of poultry eggs in the multi-stage egg heating process until hatching occurs.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the physiological zero is 78 to 90°F, and the incubation temperature is 98 to 102°F, preferably about 100°F, at the surface of the eggshell.

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