Incubation is the process by which certain oviparous (egg-laying) animals hatch their eggs; it also refers to the development of the embryo within the egg. Multiple and various factors are vital to the incubation of various species of animal. In many species of reptile for example, no fixed temperature is necessary, but the actual temperature determines the sex ratio of the offspring. In birds in contrast, the sex of offspring is genetically determined, but in many species a constant and particular temperature is necessary for successful incubation. Especially in poultry, the act of sitting on eggs to incubate them is called brooding.[1] The action or behavioral tendency to sit on a clutch of eggs is also called broodiness, and most egg-laying breeds of poultry have had this behavior selectively bred out of them to increase production

1. INCUBATION OF
EGGS
BY: SAJJAD ULLAH
Marwat

2. Incubation of eggs
Introduction:
• Incubation refers to the process by which certain
oviparous (egg-laying) animals hatch their eggs
• For commercial forming chicks with decreased efficiency
in egg production are replaced every year by younger
ones
• Every poultry form should have a ready source of supply
to provide chicks at the required time
• Chicks have a faster rate of development during
incubation period
• A fertilized egg hatches after about 21 days of incubation

3. Incubation of eggs
• Rate of reproduction and quick development is the major
reason for large amount of poultry production providing food
for human beings
 Much care should be taken for selecting the eggs for
incubation
 Hen starts laying fertilized eggs after 24 hours of mating but
only those eggs should be considered for incubation which
are laid after a week
 Eggs older than four days(in summer) and seven days (in
winter) should not be used for incubation
 Very dirty eggs should be avoided

4. Incubation of eggs
 Soiled eggs should not be washed
 Use eggs laid by healthy and well fed hen for a better of
securing healthy chicks
Natural Incubation:
• Natural incubation by broody desi hens
• A well sized hen can incubate 15 eggs a time
• So a healthy broody hen should be selected
• Hen should be made to sit in a soft nest made up of straw, dry
leaves etc in dark corner of the house

5. Incubation of eggs
• Hen should not be disturbed too often
• It should be provided with food once a day
• Water should be kept with reach of the hen
• Sitting birds should be fed with whole grains and limestone
grit as sloppy food may lead to loose dropings
Artificial Incubation:
• For commercial purposes artificial incubation by
incubators is done

8. Incubation of eggs
• It has enabled human beings to produce those breeds which
are non-broody and which work full time during the year to
produce hatching eggs
• Are economical as they can be used to hatch 25 to several
thousand eggs at one time
Types of incubators:
1) Flat type:
• Capacity of incubating 50-500 at one time
• It has only a single layer on wchich eggs are laid flat

9. FLAT TYPE INCUBATOR

10. Incubation of eggs
2)Cabinet type Incubator:
• It has been made to incubate a large number of eggs at one
time with several cabinets
Types of incubators based on function:-
1)Hot Water type:
• It contains a water tank which is heated by electric heaters or
kerosene stoves
• Inside temprature is maintained at 102-130 F
• Position of egss is changed in every morning and evening

11. Cabinet type incubator

12. Incubation of eggs
• In flat type incubators 50-500 eggs and in cabinet type 50-
5000 eggs can be made to hatch through this system
2)Hot Air type:
• Electrically operated
• Bears a heater at the base and fan on the roof
• Inside temperature is maintained at 100 F
• Position of eggs is changed everyday
• In flat type 50-10,000 eggs can be made to incubate at one
time by this method

13. Incubation of eggs
• Modern cabinet type incubators has much larger capacity to
incubate eggs at one time and with self operated rotating
system
Basic Principles for artificial incubation:-
• Incubator should be fumigated with formaldehyde gase to
disinfect it
• Level of incubator must be maintained peoperly
• In flat type eggs should be arranged in a row with their sides
towards the door of the tray
• In cabinet type placed with the broad ends up

14. Incubation of eggs
• There should be sufficient ventilation and a uniform
temperature inside the incubator
• Eggs should be turned daily but after 18 days should not be
disturbed
• On 20 or 21st day chick comes out of the egg, proper temp
and moisture should be maintained during this this period
• Young chicks should be remain in the incubator for the next
36 hours after birth and during this period they should not be
provided any food.