Effect of the Egg Size on Egg Loses and Hatchability of the Muscovy Duck

Abstract

The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of egg size on weight losses during incubation and hatchability of Muscovy duck. A total of 150 hatching eggs comprising of small (70.0–76.99g), medium (77.0– 83.99g) and large (84.00–90.99g) size categories. There were high difference in the results recorded for hatchability between medium (89.83%) and large (84.62) eggs. In contrast, result of hatchability between low and medium eggs was comparable (88.38 vs. 89.83%). When comparing the length of incubation, hatching eggs of Muscovy duck we recorded that the first ducklings hatched from eggs with lower weight. Ducklings from heavier eggs longer to hatch. Results obtained on egg weight loss were comparable among groups.