Effects of Storage Duration at Low Temperature on Hatchability and Post-hatch Performances of Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica)

This study aimed to determine the effect of duration storage of Japanese quail eggs at low temperature on hatchability and post-hatch performance. A total of 800 eggs was subjected to four storage periods, (0, 3, 5 and 7 d) at 4oC and 60 to 70% relative humidity. Hatchability, survival rate, birth weight, post-hatch average daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were investigated in this study. The results showed that storage duration significantly affected hatchabilities and survival rates (P<0.05). Egg hatchability decreased when they were stored for a long time (84.5, 79.5, 74.0, and 69.0% for 0, 3, 5 and 7 d of storage duration, respectively). Survival rates of eggs stored for 3 d was not significantly different from the control group. Survival rates of 5- and 7-d storage were lower than 0- and 3-d groups (P<0.05). Storage egg at 4oC did not affect birth weight, post-hatch average daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of the Japanese quails. The results of this study suggested that keeping egg of Japanese quails for 0 d before incubation was the best for hatchability. For incubation, Japanese quail eggs should not be stored at 4oC longer than 3 d.