The Effect of Placement Position and Weight of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Eggs on Hatching Results

This study was conducted to determine the effects of egg weight and positioning in hatcher trays on hatching results in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). For this purpose, a total of 438 hatching eggs obtained from a 15-week-old quail flock were used. Eggs were classified into three groups according to weight: large (mean: 14 g), medium (mean: 11.95 g), and small (mean: 8 g). Large, medium, and small eggs were placed in hatcher trays in three different positions: normal incubation position (blunt end up), at a 45° angle, and horizontally. Incubation was carried out for 14 days at 37.5 °C and 60% relative humidity, with hourly turning, after which the eggs were transferred to the hatcher trays on day 15. On hatching day, chick quality was evaluated using the Pasgar score method, and hatchability, hatchability of fertile egg, and embryonic mortality rates were determined. The results of the study showed that egg position had a significant effect on hatchability, hatchability of fertile egg, and late embryonic mortality, while its effect on early and mid-stage embryonic mortality and chick quality was not significant. Egg weight had no significant effect on hatching results or chick quality. In addition, no interaction was determined between egg position and egg weight. In conclusion, it was determined that placing quail eggs horizontally or at a 45° angle in hatcher trays had more positive effects on hatching results compared to vertical placement of eggs.