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Storage Time and Ostrich Egg Hatchability

Department of Dairy and Poultry Science, University of Florida, P. O. Box 110920, Gainesville, FL 32611-0920

Correspondence: H. R. Wilson

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of storage time and other factors on hatchability and, concurrently, incubation weight loss of ostrich eggs. Eight local ostrich producers collected the eggs and stored them on their farms for up to 15 days at 55 to 60°F. The eggs then were incubated in the University of Florida hatchery. Eggs from different farms showed significant differences in fertility and hatchability of fertile eggs. Hatchability decline linearly with storage time, much as in domestic poultry and game birds. For maximum hatchability, 7 days or less of egg storage appears to be best. Hatchability also declined linearly with successive sets, possible reflecting effect of season. Egg weight loss to day 38 of incubation averaged 13.2% for eggs that hatched. Chick weight at hatching averaged 63.6% of initial egg weight, which is similar to most avian species. Chicks lost 1.35 g/hr when they remained in the hatcher for a period of time after hatching.

Key Words: Egg storage • egg weight loss • hatchability • ostrich