The introduction of sophisticated modern day incubators reduced the element of human error and system malfunction. Many thought that the role of the hatchery manager would be simplified and improvements in results would logically follow. However, improving hatchability is still an art that is understood by a few. With today's rising costs of poultry feed, health care, incubation, infrastructure and administration, no poultry business can successfully sustain itself unless the hatchability of eggs averages close to 85%. In many hatcheries the modern high tech incubators functioning on fine-tuned electronic controls, apart from increasing volumes of chick production have only seemingly reduced the role of the hatchery team in the 21-day management ofthe incubation process. Contrary to expectations, they have, generally speaking, not brought in the proportionate benefits by way of improved hatchability, the desired chick quality and reduction in costs.
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