Description
It is widely recognised that developments in the chick embryo have a profound effect on hatchability and the subsequent health and productive capacity of poultry. With a stronger focus on welfare, prevention of disease and more sustainable poultry production, understanding these early stages has never been more crucial.
Embryo development and hatchery practice in poultry production addresses the key stages and factors in embryo development in poultry to optimise hatchability and chick health. The book reviews the role of parental and environmental factors on embryo development and skeletal growth, as well as the use of feed extracts and probiotics to improve chick growth and boost immune function.
The book also reviews the effects of incubation on chick health and development, including factors such as temperature, light exposure and humidity.
Through focussed and authoritative discussions, the book details best practices for managing a hatchery environment to ensure that chick welfare, health and productive capacity are optimized.
Edited by one of the most notable names in the field,
Embryo development and hatchery practice in poultry production will be a standard reference for poultry scientists, breeders, government and private sector agencies supporting sustainable poultry production.
Key features
- Provides a comprehensive review of the key stages in embryo development, as well as the factors which affect successful development (e.g. temperature and humidity)
- Reviews the recent advances in incubator technologies and its effect on chick health and development
- Addresses the key issues in poultry hatchery environments, focussing on issues related to feed/water deprivation and transportation of chicks to farms
What others are saying...
“In poultry production, embryonic development is a critical period in a bird’s life cycle as it can set a decisive course for later animal performance levels. Optimal incubation and hatching conditions which have been adapted to the natural needs of embryos, whilst also being compatible with economic requirements, are mandatory. This new book will present the state of the art on this topic and features contributions from leading international experts in industry practice, applied and basic research. It will fill a gap in this field and provide practitioners, researchers and students with an up-to-date reference work.” (Dr Barbara Tzschentke, Chair WG Physiology, European Branches WPSA, Institute for Agricultural and Urban Ecological Projects (IASP) at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany)
“This collection of the latest research, with contributions from established experts in the field, promises to provide a wealthy contribution of topical and current knowledge to this important section of the global poultry industry.” (Dr Nicola Tyler, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)