Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Animal Science Research Department, Khorasan Razavi Agricultural and Natural Research and Education Center, AREEO, Mashhad, Iran
2 2. Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran
3 University of Gonbad-Kavous- Faculty of Agricultur and natural resources- Department of Animal Science
4 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran
Abstract
This research aimedto investigate the impact of storage conditions on the quality of Japanese quail eggs, hatchability rate and the quality of the resulting chicks. A total of 480 quail eggs were used in a completely randomized design, following a factorial arrangement of 2×6. This included two storage temperature levels (room temperature at 25°C and cooler temperature at 15°C) and six storage durations (0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days).After the storage period, 15 eggs from each treatment were assessed for both internal and external quality traits. Additionally, 25 eggs from each treatment were incubated under standard conditions for 15 days, followed by a 3-day transfer to a hatcher. At the end of the incubation period, hatchability percentage was calculated. Quail chicks were weighed individually, and their body and shank lengths were measured, and chick quality evaluated using the Tona scoring system. The results showed that both storage duration and temperature significantly affected egg weight, with a notable decrease observed (P<0.01).Prolonged storage also led to reductions in egg white weight, yolk index, albumen index, and Haugh units, while yolk weight increased (P<0.01).Furthermore, hatchability percentages for Japanese quail eggs declined with longer storage durations (P<0.01) and higher storage temperatures (P<0.05).Overall, the findings indicate that increased duration and temperature of storage have adverse effects on the internal and external quality of the eggs, hatchability rates, and the quality of one-day-old quail chicks.
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