Effect of Storage Time on Hatchability of Guinea Fowl Eggs

A study was conducted to determine the effects of length of storage time on hatchability of guinea fowl eggs. A total of 125 eggs were obtained from the ongoing guinea fowl project and used in this study. Eggs were divided into five batches with each batch comprising 25 eggs. Following collection, all eggs were individually weighed using electronic scale and stored in a cool room at 20 oC for different storage times of 0, 4, 7, 10 and 14 days. Prior to setting, eggs were weighed again and thereafter set in the incubator at 37 oC and 70% relative humidity. Data from five batches of eggs were analyzed using General Linear Model (GLM) of Statistical Analysis Software (version 9.2) to determine the effect of storage time on hatchability of guinea fowl eggs. A significant difference in hatchability among different batches of eggs was found. The results of the present study showed that storage time significantly (P < 0.05) affected hatchability. Eggs stored for a shorter time had higher hatchability (88%) while those stored for longer time had lower hatchability (4%). Egg weight was significantly affected by storage time (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the best hatchability is obtained at 0 day storage time (88%) followed by 4 days (76%). It therefore appears that storing guinea fowl eggs beyond four days contributes to a decline in hatchability.