A conventional hatchery vs. “on-farm” hatching of ducks in terms of microclimatic conditions and hatchability parameters - preliminary research

The hatching period is critical in the technology of artificial incubation of poultry. In mass production of chicks, hatching stress is increased by additional stressors that do not occur in natural conditions. The stress caused by the egg leaving by the chick is intensified by the hatcher's poor environment and the provision of access to feed and water. The study compared the conventional hatching method with the on-farm system in broiler duck production. The on-farm method is gaining popularity as an alternative in broiler chicken farming; however, on-farm hatching has not yet been applied in broiler duck production. This study aims to examine the feasibility of implementing on-farm hatching for Pekin ducks by analysing environmental conditions, hatch window and hatchability. The temperature and relative humidity in the duckling house were (mean ± SD) 36.5 ± 2.25°C and RH 12 ± 0.1%, respectively, while in the hatcher, the average temperature was 36.6 ± 0.14°C, and RH was 61% ± 2.5%. The hatchability in the conventional and on-farm systems is 90.6 and 88.1%, respectively (P<0.05). There were observed differences in the hatch window between individual pens, which had been caused by thermal conditions (the litter surface temperature). In summary, the hatchability of eggs in the "on-farm" system was lower than in the conventional system. However, it is possible to conduct the hatching of duck broilers in the "on-farm" system, provided that appropriate microclimatic conditions and litter microbiological status are ensured.