An incubator is a device that helps in the artificial creation of the conditions required for egg hatching. Cabinet-style incubators with a capacity of 10,000 eggs are now available. It is divided into two parts. The egg-laying chamber is the first. There are 24 levels in total, which are placed in two rows, one on top of the other.
All of these decks are connected by a single gear. If the gear is turned on, all of the trays can be rotated at the same time for up to 18 days. The second room is the nesting area. This layer receives eggs laid in the upper layer for up to 18 days.
Incubators differ depending on the manufacturer's design. For enhanced convenience, newer types of incubators such as walk-in-incubator and drive-in-incubator are also available. Temperature, humidity, egg arrangement, egg movement, and ventilation should all be considered when laying eggs in an incubator.
Commercial hatcheries are essential for the hatching and sale of chicks. Hatching will be used to distribute laying hens, broilers, and other poultry breeds. The hatchery should have other facilities to begin such a venture, in addition to the incubator room, hatchery room, storeroom, generator room, and fumigation room.
1. Temperature
The temperature within the incubator is critical to the effective hatching of eggs. This should be equal to the heat received by the hen when the hen is closed. Temperatures of 37 C to 38 C (99–100 F) are required for the first 18 days in cabinet-type incubators, followed by 36 C to 37 C (98–99 F).
2. Humidity
The temperature within the incubator is just as crucial as the humidity. Moisture is required for the majority of infants to hatch. For the first 18 days, a humidity of 60% is advised. The moisture content should then be increased.
3. Ventilation
The embryo that develops inside the egg needs oxygen. Carbon dioxide should be eliminated in the same way. As a result, appropriate ventilation within the incubator should be prioritised. For oxygen, 21 percent of normal air is required. Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, should be less than 0.5 percent.
4. Egg sorting method
When laying eggs in layers, the widest section of the egg should be placed upwards. Alternatively, the eggs can be laid. If the eggs are placed in the incubator in the same order, the embryo will adhere to any portion of the egg and perish. To avoid this, cabinet-style incubators with self-rotating systems can be used.
On the seventh and eighteenth days, eggs should be inspected (cantling). This is accomplished by directing light beams into the egg. The chicks should be kept in an incubator for a few hours after hatching to dry.
Advantages of artificial incubator
1. More chicks can be hatched at the same time.
2. Can be hatched at any time of the year.
3. Babies can be hatched without the disease.
4. If the incubator is running properly, the hatching rate can be determined in advance, rather than using broilers.
An artificial incubator is, indeed, very useful in poultry farming for increasing the efficiency and productivity of the entire farming process.
(Also read: 9 Tips To Expand The Livestock Of Poultry Farming)
