Avian Production Management

VENTILATION

• Oxygen is required for respiration of all living beings and the same is the case of developing embryo also. The optimum hatchability is achieved with 21 per cent oxygen level in incubator.
• The lower level of oxygen in incubator is more detrimental than higher level. It has been observed that about 5 per cent reduction in hatchability was noted for every one percent decrease in oxygen content.
• As the embryo advanced in age, its oxygen requirement increases and more carbon dioxide is given off.
• The concentration of CO₂ should not be more than 0.3 to 0.5 percent for optimum hatchability. More than 1% concentration of CO₂ leads to increased embryonic mortality while 5 percent carbon dioxide in incubator is lethal to all embryos.
• Hyper-ventilation also should be controlled and taken care off.
• Ventilation is more important from 13^th day of incubation in case of chicken eggs than in initial period.
• It has been observed that the percentage of hatchability has been drastically reduced in places at an altitude of 3500 feet and above. This is due to reduction of pressurized concentration outside limits of 0.2 to 1.5%.