EFFECT OF EGG CLEANING METHODS ON HATCHABILITY, MOISTURE LOSS AND EMBRYONIC MORTALITY IN BROILER BREEDER GRAND PARENT EGGS

This study investigated the impact of different egg cleaning methods on hatchability, moisture loss, and chick yield in broiler breeder grandparent eggs. A total of 1500 eggs (300 eggs/treatment, (50 eggs/replicate) from 62-week-old birds were used. Five treatments were employed: fresh eggs from cages (T1 – control), dry cleaning (T2), and using didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride at concentrations of 3 ml/L (T3), 4 ml/L (T4), and 5 ml/L (T5). The shape index of the egg was consistent across all treatments, ranging from 76.5% to 77.5%, ensuring a uniform basis for comparison. treatments T1, T2, and T4 exhibited better hatchability performance compared to the other groups (78.67% ± 0.42, 78.67% ± 0.67, and 71.33% ± 0.42, respectively). Notably, the hatchability values for T1 (control) and T2 (dry clean) were numerically similar. Regarding moisture loss, dry-cleaned eggs (T2) exhibited the highest moisture loss (10.65% ± 0.32), with T3 (disinfectant cleaning at 3 ml/L) showing a closer level. Economically, T1 (control - cleaning eggs from cages) yielded the highest profit (Rs.40,050) compared to the other treatments. This study concluded that dry cleaned eggs and fresh eggs from cage will provide better hatchability and economic returns in broiler grandparent birds.