Grading and on-farm traying

Grading and on-farm traying

Eggs can be graded at the breeder farm or at the hatchery. The purpose of grading is to ensure that only grade A hatching eggs are set. This is checked by random sampling at most hatcheries. The hatching eggs are stored at the breeding farm after laying until they can be placed in the incubator at the hatchery. The eggs have often already been placed in plastic setter trays (on-farm traying). This reduces handling later on at the hatchery. However, ensure that plastic trays are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and completely dry before each use. When the eggs are intended for export, they are often placed on paper egg flats after they have completely cooled to 18°C and packed in cardboard boxes. Hatching eggs are generally collected from the breeder farm 2-3x a week. On arrival at the hatchery, the eggs are then stored for a few days before being loaded into the incubators.

On-farm traying: the eggs are placed directly in plastic trays at the breeder farm. If eggs are supplied on paper egg flats, they must be transferred to the setter trays later. This is an extra handling that takes time and money, and there is a risk of breakage.

Each farm has its own reasons that determine the frequency of daily egg collection. One reason not to collect too frequently is when there are not enough eggs on the belt. The natural tendency is to set the collection belt to top speed, which can cause jolts, uneven transfer points and can cause hairline cracks. This has a negative effect on egg quality.copyright protected

An initial selection generally takes place at the breeder farm. The eggs are graded based on shape, size, extent of dirt, damage and possibly weighed and categorised into the required weight classes. Keep the egg collection and storage room clean and tidy. Apply a good pest control protocol and leave the equipment to dry for a few days after cleaning.