The Gaseous Environment of the Chick Embryo in Relation to Its Development and Hatchability

Abstract

IN CONTINUATION of an investigation previously reported (Taylor et al., 1956), experiments were conducted on the exposure of incubating eggs to various O2 and CO2 levels for the period of the 97th through the 192nd hrs. of incubation. Experimental incubators, gas supply and analytical equipment, methods of administration of gases, hatching egg source and the paired-egg distribution between control and experimental lots were the same as previously described. Relative hatchabilities of experimental lots were calculated on the basis of the control hatchability equalling 100. Control and experimental lots of eggs were set in the Experimental machines and incubated in a normal manner for the first 96 hrs., then gases were administered for the experimental conditions during the next 96 hrs. Assignment of control and experimental lots was rotated among the Experimental incubators used. At the end of 192 hrs. of incubation, the eggs were removed from the Experimental incubators, transferred…