Optimizing Fertility and Hatchability in Poultry Production: An Integrative Review of Key Factors and Best Practices

Day-old chicks constitute a critical component of the poultry production chain, as their quality and availability directly determine overall productivity and economic efficiency.Fertility and hatchability, the primary indicators of reproductive efficiency, are affected by a range of factors including breed, flock age, nutrition, body weight, environmental temperature, and eggshell quality.Elevated temperatures can impair mating behaviour and reduce fertility rates; however, controlled-environment housing systems can help mitigate these effects.Proper egg storage maintaining consistent temperature and humidity, positioning eggs broad-end up, and limiting storage to within 10-14 days is crucial for preserving hatchability.Extended storage durations adversely affect egg quality, thereby lowering hatching success.Stable incubation conditions, particularly a consistent temperature of 37.8 °C, are essential for optimal embryonic development, as deviations may lead to increased embryonic mortality.Advances in incubation technology, including precise control of temperature, humidity, ventilation, and egg turning, have significantly improved hatchability rates and reduced embryo losses.Optimizing fertility and hatchability thus requires comprehensive breeder flock management, controlled environmental conditions, and meticulous egg handling.Key practices include maintaining optimal storage conditions, minimizing egg holding time, and ensuring accurate incubation parameters to support embryo viability and successful hatching.