Effect of Storage Time and Egg Position on Hatchability of Guinea Fowl Eggs

This experiment investigated the effects of storage time and egg position on hatchability of guinea fowl eggs. A total of 140 eggs were randomly divided into two groups (i.e., broad end up and broad end down positions). Prior to incubation eggs were stored at room temperature for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 days in either broad end up (BEU) or broad end down (BED) position. Eggs were incubated at 37.5-37.8 oC and 60% relative humidity for 28 days and thereafter incubation parameters including hatchability, dead in shells (DIS), clears, dead pips, alive pips and alive in shells (AIS) traits evaluated. Data were subjected to ANOVA using the General Linear Models (GLM) procedure of Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). Storage time had no effect (P0 > 0.05) on incubation parameters except for AIS. Alive in shells for eggs stored for 3-4 and 5-7 days were significantly (P < 0.05) different from each other. On the other hand, no differences were observed in AIS for eggs stored for 1-2 days and 5-7 days. All parameters except DIS and AIS were not influenced by storage time and egg position. The DIS for eggs stored in BEU position for 5-7 days were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other storage periods. The present results suggested that guinea fowl eggs can be stored up to seven days in either BEU or BED position prior to incubation without affecting hatchability.