EFFECTS OF DIETARY-FAT AND EGGSHELL CUTICLE REMOVAL ON EGG WATER-LOSSAND EMBRYO GROWTH IN BROILER HATCHING EGGS

The effects of-dietary fat and eggshell cuticle removal on egg water l oss, embryo growth, and hatchability were determined in eggs from broi ler breeder hens at different ages. Hens were fed isocaloric diets con taining one of three different types and levels of added fat. In addit ion, eggs were either left intact or washed to remove:,the eggshell cu ticle prior to set. Cuticle removal increased egg-water loss between 4 3 and 62 wk. Cuticle removal increased relative wet embryo weight at W eek 52 and relative dry embryo weight at 52 and 62 wk. Furthermore, at 62 wk, diet and day of incubation interacted to affect wet embryo wei ght, and, diet variably affected dry embryo weight. No treatment diffe rences were observed for cumulative hatchability, rate of hatch, and r elative yolk sac weight at Day 19 of incubation. It was concluded that cuticle removal and the addition of fat to breeder diets may influenc e embryonic growth without having any subsequent effects on hatchabili ty.