The effect of different incubation temperatures on the incubation performance of ostrich (Struthio camelus) eggs

Abstract

This research was carried out with the aim of determining the effect of different incubation temperatures on the incubation performance of ostrich eggs. The total of 282 eggs were incubated in a defined developmental period at 36.0, 36.6 and 37.2degreesC in three fully automatic programmable incubators that were available on the farm (12 times at one week intervals) during the laying period. The temperature applied during the growth period in artificial incubation of ostrich eggs significantly affected the hatchability of fertile eggs, embryo mortalities and incubation periods (P < 0.01). Egg weight loss increased with increased temperature (P < 0.05). In this study early and late embryonic mortality rates in eggs incubated at a high temperature were found to be high (P < 0.01). Eye abnormality was observed in four of the chicks hatched at 37.2degreesC.