Incubation and duckling embryonic development are complex processes requiring meticulous attention at every stage to ensure high hatching rates and healthy ducklings. Discover the main steps detailed by the Grimaud Frères teams.
- Incubation
The incubation process begins by storing the eggs under optimum temperature and humidity conditions. Be careful with prolonged or inappropriate storage, which can reduce egg viability. The weight of the eggs, the stage at which they are laid, and the precise moment of incubation will all have an impact on the time required for the eggs to hatch. A precise management of these parameters enables hatching times to be synchronized with logistical requirements, ensuring that ducklings are ready for delivery. Incorrect timing can lead to ducklings that are still wet or too dry at the time of delivery, affecting their viability. The way the eggs are set in the incubator is also crucial to ensure uniform distribution of heat and humidity, which is essential for a smooth embryonic development.
- Blood system development
Blood system development is a key phase for embryo quality. Regular egg turning is essential to prevent the embryo sticking to the shell and to ensure adequate blood circulation. Insufficient turning can lead to malformations. Incubation parameters such as humidity, temperature and ventilation must be carefully controlled to maintain a stable, optimal environment. The risks are high: a temperature that is too high or too low can lead to abnormal development or embryonic death. Also, incorrect humidity can affect water evaporation through the shell, influencing egg weight loss and embryo development. Finally, inadequate ventilation can lead to an accumulation of carbon dioxide, affecting embryo health. A stable energy consumption and a minimum of exchanges with the outside environment are necessary to maintain optimal conditions.
- Endothermic embryonic growth
During the endothermic embryonic growth phase, the oxygen requirements of the embryos increase, requiring precise management of ventilation. Incubation parameters must evolve to meet these growing needs. Candling, a technique for checking embryo development, is crucial at this stage. It enables early detection of abnormalities and adjustment of hatching forecasts. Candling also helps to homogenize ducklings and limit contamination due to embryonic mortalities and egg explosions, underlining the sanitary importance of the cuticle.
- Exothermic embryonic growth
The exothermic phase of embryonic growth requires the eggs to be watered. The aim is to evacuate excess calories and meet growing oxygen requirements. In this way, the heat generated by the developing eggs can be evacuated. Water spraying must be done with quality water and at appropriate frequencies to avoid overheating and dehydration. At Grimaud’s we advise not to remove the cuticle, as it acts as a sanitary barrier. Removing the cuticle can cause difficulties, particularly with the use of chlorine and the incubator maintenance. Egg weight loss should be monitored to adjust incubation parameters such as temperature and humidity.
- Hatching
The hatching process begins with internal and external pipping, where the duckling breaks through the shell. Water spraying must be stopped at the right moment. The transition from in-ovo to pulmonary respiration is a crucial stage. Egg transfer with changing parameters, such as CO² levels and humidity peak, must be carefully monitored. The “hatching window”, the period during which the majority of eggs hatch, must be carefully managed to ensure homogeneous and successful hatching.
In conclusion, each stage of duckling incubation and embryonic development requires careful attention and precise management of parameters to ensure high hatch rates and healthy ducklings. A thorough understanding of these processes helps optimize incubation conditions and maximize duckling rearing success.
