The Importance of Hatching Egg Transport in Poultry Hatcheries

Transporting hatching eggs from breeder farms to the hatchery is a critical stage in the hatchery production chain. Even if egg collection, disinfection, and storage are performed correctly, poor transportation practices can compromise hatchability, chick quality, and overall flock performance. Hatchery managers, farm managers, and vehicle drivers must therefore treat egg transport as a specialized and sensitive process.

1. Why Transport Conditions Matter?

v Temperature fluctuations:
If the internal vehicle temperature rises above 24 °C (“physiological zero”), embryonic development may begin prematurely. This disrupts uniform incubation later, leading to reduced hatchability and poor chick quality.

vExcessive vibration or jerking:
Rough driving causes micro-cracks, stress, and can damage the delicate air cell. This directly affects embryo development and increases early embryonic mortality.

vHumidity imbalance:
Very dry conditions during transport may increase egg weight loss, while too high humidity can cause sweating, condensation, and contamination risk.

2. Standard Requirements for Hatching Egg Transport:

#Temperature:

Recommended vehicle cabin temperature: 16–18 °C

Acceptable range: 15–20 °C (FAO, Petersime, Cobb guidelines)

Must never exceed 24 °C, to prevent crossing the physiological zero threshold.

#Relative Humidity (RH):

Standard range: 65–75% RH to prevent excessive moisture loss or condensation.

#Duration _of_Transport:

Eggs should ideally reach the hatchery within 6–8 hours after collection.

For longer journeys (over 8 hours), air-conditioned transport with continuous temperature monitoring is mandatory.

3. Responsibilities During Egg Transport:

#Farm_Manager

Ensure eggs are collected, disinfected, and cooled down to storage temperature (18–20 °C) before loading.

Pack eggs in clean, strong trays and boxes to reduce vibration damage.

Confirm vehicle pre-cooling before loading.

#Hatchery_Manager

Define and monitor transport SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
Verify temperature/humidity loggers in vehicles.
Inspect eggs upon arrival for cracks, sweating, or temperature deviation.

#Driver

Maintain smooth and steady driving – avoid sudden braking, jerks, or overspeeding.

Monitor and record cabin temperature and humidity during the trip.

Ensure doors remain closed during transit to prevent external temperature fluctuations.

4. Key Management Practices

1. Pre-cool vehicle to 18 °C before loading.

2. Stack trays correctly – vertical position, not overloaded, with air circulation space.

3. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or warm air during loading/unloading.

4. Install calibrated sensors and alarms inside the transport vehicle for temperature and humidity.

5.Conclusion

Maintaining correct temperature, humidity, and gentle handling ensures higher hatchability, healthier chicks, and stronger flock performance.

The Importance of Hatching Egg Transport in Poultry Hatcheries

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