Heat Dynamics in Chicken Embryo: "Production & Loss"

Heat production and heat loss are critical factors in the development of a chicken embryo. The chicken embryo undergoes a complex process of growth and development within the egg, and maintaining an optimal balance between heat production and heat loss is crucial for ensuring the proper growth and development of the embryo. The air temperature and heat transfer between the egg and the incubator play a significant role in determining the embryonic body temperature. The eggshell temperature is a reflection of the embryo's body temperature. However, it is the correlation between heat production by the embryo and heat loss by the incubator that ultimately determines the embryo's temperature. Previous research has demonstrated that incubation conditions, particularly temperature, have a significant impact on chicken embryo development (Al-Zghoul et al., 2016).

In order to understand the importance of heat production and heat loss in the chicken embryo, it is essential to examine the factors that influence these processes.

The rate of heat production by the embryo is directly proportional to its development. As the embryo grows and undergoes metabolic processes, it generates heat. This heat production increases as the embryo develops, leading to an increase in its body temperature. Later in incubation, the embryo experiences axial transport of heat due to its circulation (Cooper & Voss, 2013). This increased circulation leads to a higher loss of heat from the embryo. For instance, studies have shown that there is a 20% increase in the thermal conductance of chicken eggs as a result of increased blood flow (Cooper & Voss, 2013). This increased heat conductance leads to higher energy costs for incubation (Cooper & Voss, 2013). Exposure to low temperatures early in incubation can also impact the heat production of the embryo (Noiva et al., 2014). Furthermore, research suggests that exposure to low temperatures early in incubation not only affects embryonic heat production but also influences embryonic and post-hatch development (Noiva et al., 2014).

For example, when the incubation temperature is low, it has been observed that embryonic heat production decreases. This can have implications for the overall development and quality of the chicken embryo. The temperature experienced by a developing embryo is influenced by multiple factors, including the incubator temperature and the ability of heat to pass between the incubator and the embryo (Faki et al., 2015). Metabolic heat production by the embryo itself also plays a crucial role in determining its temperature. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully regulate these factors during the incubation period to ensure optimal hatchability of fertile eggs and high-quality chicks.