Each hatchery operates in a specific situation, and its incubation programs must also be specific. ALSO: Optimize swine genetic capability.

Tim Lundeen 1, Feedstuffs Editor

January 19, 2016

4 Min Read
N&H TOP LINE: Guidelines to correct incubation programs

Any hatchery incubation program, even when it’s successful, is never final. Sooner or later, it will have to be adapted according to changes resulting from climate, breed, egg quality, technical upgrades of setters and hatchers and numerous other factors, according to Maciej Kolanczyk, senior hatchery adviser at Pas Reform Hatchery Technologies.

The need to adapt will be signaled by results in terms of hatchability and chick quality, Kolanczyk said. The routine monitoring of eggshell temperature, yield and egg weight loss, for example, can provide an early warning that changes are needed.

Each hatchery operates in its specific, unique situation, and its incubation programs must also be specific to correspond with local conditions, he explained. Adopting an incubation program that is successful for another hatchery, even one that operates in similar conditions, is usually not the best option.

Before adjusting a program, Kolanczyk said it is useful to answer a range of questions, including:

* Do the incubators respond accurately to programmed set points? If not, they may simply need some maintenance or a recalibration of sensors.

* If the problem is incidental or evident in only some of the machines, the solution is likely to be found by reviewing the maintenance of those affected.

* Can the source of the problem be established? For example, if the problem is retarded embryo development or early mortality, it may be related to the setter; if there is increased mortality in fully developed embryos, it is likely to be the hatcher.

* Is the problem affecting all of the eggs or only certain batches? The current status of the breeder flocks may require investigation.

In short, he said it is important to establish why a program needs to be changed and where the problem has arisen.

An incubation program is a complex construction — the expression of a strategy that leads to the optimum development of embryos, where every element of the program is combined and mutually influences the other. Generally, incubation programs (strategies) aim to accomplish apparently simple tasks:

1. Maintain the eggs at a stable temperature of 100.0°F in incubation, gradually increasing to no higher than 101.0°F in the last days;

2. Allow egg weight loss of 11-13%;

3. Guarantee the correct concentration of oxygen in the air, and

4. Turn the eggs regularly.

The aim is to achieve all of this with minimal heating, cooling and humidification for energy efficiency, Kolanczyk said, noting that what appear to be small changes, e.g., changing the temperature set point by 0.5°F or relative humidity by 2-3%, can make a big difference to results. Opening ventilation a small increment further will refresh the air, but it will also decrease humidity, increase the cooling effect and force the machine to restore set points.

Kolanczyk concluded with the following points of advice:

* Ensure that setters and hatchers are really working to set points accurately before making changes.

* Follow a strict and regular maintenance routine.

* Avoid unrealistic set points that are beyond the capabilities of a hatchery's technology.

* Make changes to incubation parameters one at a time, to monitor the effect.

* Test and repeat each new program two to three times on selected machines before applying generally.

* Keep accurate records to monitor and evaluate results.

* Observe the effects of changes carefully, and consider naming new programs to reflect those changes.

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Optimize swine genetic capability

Nedap has introduced an easy-to-use Pig Performance Testing system that accurately and consistently measures and records pig performance indicators, including individual weights and feed intake. This information is immediately available for review and has a unique feature allowing users to rank groups based on daily performance.

"Nutrition and genetics are two of the most important keys to success on any swine operation," Nedap U.S. sales manager Graydon Bell said. "Producers using Nedap's Pig Performance Testing can have clear insight into the breeding lines that produce the most efficient, fastest-growing pigs."

Data captured can be used to make economical feeding decisions and strategic, objective breeding decisions.

"Having convenient access to performance data gives producers the opportunity to make rapid progress when breeding or developing genetics plans," Bell said. "Because feed cost is a large percentage of operational costs on any facility, small changes in feed efficiency can make big impacts on an operation's bottom line."

N&H TOP LINE: Guidelines to correct incubation programs

The system consists of two parts: a feed trough with a weighing unit and a weighing unit for pigs that can be adjusted to individual pig sizes. The flexible platform is built to withstand use in high-traffic swine operations. It has the capacity for 15 pigs to feed at one time without restriction.

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