Longer storage

Longer storage

The optimal time to set eggs is between days 4 and 7 after laying. At this time, the condition of the hatching eggs allows oxygen to reach the embryo easily. However, planning considerations may mean that setting older eggs is unavoidable. If eggs need to be stored for longer, take the following measures: • Lower temperature (up to day 10, 12-15°C, longer than 10 days, 12°C). • Turn the eggs at least twice a day. Eggs that have been stored for two weeks longer must be incubated at a higher temperature. Embryos that have been stored for a longer period grow more slowly and therefore produce less heat. There will also be higher embryonic mortality and the eggs on the setter tray will be positioned between eggs that no longer produce any heat. The planned storage duration determines the optimal profile of the incubation temperature from moment of lay until the eggs are set. If the eggs are stored for 5-10 days, the storage temperature should be lower than with a storage duration of 3-4 days. As a practical physiological zero, 22-25°C is usually maintained, although embryonic development will only start up again from 27°C. But changes in the egg content will still occur at below 27°C. The colder the eggs are stored, the less the change in egg contents.

Point up or down?

If stored for longer, eggs should be stored with the point upwards. The yolk has a tendency to float and rise inside the egg with the germinal disc pointing upwards. As the egg ages, the chalazae can no longer hold the yolk in position. If this germinal disc comes into contact with the air cell, it will be in direct contact with the outside air, stick to the membrane, and dry out. In the setter, the point should be oriented downwards again!

LOOK-THINK-ACT

What is an effect of a long storage duration? The longer eggs are stored, the longer the incubation period. Eggs stored for a short time have a strong, healthy embryo after 60 hours of incubation (right). An egg stored for 14 days has a weak embryo (left). This leads to higher early embryonic mortality.copyright protected

If you intend to store eggs for a long time, the best (but unpractical) way to store them is with the pointed end upwards. The thick albumen gradually gets thinner during storage and the chalazae are no longer able to hold the yolk in position. The yolk will rise and come into contact with the air cell with the germinal disc always facing upwards. Direct contact with the inner shell membrane at the location of the air cell is not good for the embryo.