i. The preferred method of weighing eggs is to weigh individually.
ii. Metric scales are preferred to imperial scales
iii. Weighing eggs by groups or batches is possible but always divide by the number of eggs to arrive at the average weight per egg. The larger the number of eggs per batch the greater the chances for error.
D. Methods of Recording
There are two methods of recording the data, manual recording or by way of a spreadsheet. Using a spreadsheet that I have developed has the added advantage that you can "forecast" the weight loss of an egg or a batch of eggs and take remedial action days or weeks ahead in a timely manner.
Manual recording can be tedious and may be alright for the initial learning period. But once you are using the method on a regular basis, you really should use the spreadsheet.
I. Base Data
The basic data that you will collect to work on is as follows:
a. weight of egg / batch of eggs on the day you set the egg. I normally write on the egg a code for the egg, the date I set the egg, and its weight using a pencil. You can also use a permanent marker pen.
b. The daily or periodic weight of the egg preferably taken at or around the time you first weigh the egg on the day you set.
Using the above data, you work out the following information:
i. the Required Weight of the egg by Internal Pip Day
ii. the Required Weight Loss per day
iii. the Required Weight of the egg every day
From the above, you can work out a graph showing the Required Weight of the egg as the days progresses to Internal Pip day. Having established the required or ideal weight loss of the egg, you then compare that with the Actual Weight Loss of the egg.
From the daily or periodic actual weight of the egg, you can determine whether the egg is losing too much or too little weight and adjust humidity accordingly.
II. SAMPLE BASIC DAT 1
Egg No.: A1 (Serama)
Date Required Weight Notes / workings
Day 0 12/09/00 18.02 gms * Actual weight on setting
Day 19 01/10/00 15.59 gms *18.02gms - 13.5%
Weight Loss Required: 18.02 x 13.5% = 2.43 gms *The egg must lose 2.43gms by Day 19
Est. Weight Loss Per Day:2.43gms/19 = 0.128gms *The egg must lose about 0.128gms per day
III. SAMPLE WORKING SHEET 1
Day No: Day 7
Date: 19/09/00
Actual Wt: 16.43gms
Notes / Workings
Required W-L: (18.02 - (7 x 0.128) = 17.12 gms *The egg should weigh 17.12gms on Day 7
Required W-L %:((17.12 - 18.02)/18.02)x100 = - 4.99% *The egg should lose 4.99% of its weight by Day 7
Actual W-L %:((16.43 - 18.02)/18.02)x100 = - 8.8% *The actual loss is 8.8%
Comments: The difference between the Required and Actual is - 3.88% The egg is losing too much weight and humidity must be increased to slow down the loss.
The above is an illustration of the information you can arrive at from the Basic Data you have collected for each egg or each batch of eggs. You don't have to use percentages if you do not wish to.
From the base data, at any point during the incubation process you can determine the progress. This type of information is important for serious breeders who may wish to know whether a certain hen is laying strong eggs, or whether a new feed is affecting egg quality, etc.
*A note on the Internal Pip Day. On Day 18, if your temperature settings are at optimum levels, you will see a little dent poking into the air cell. I call this the Initial Internal Pip. Normally on Day 19, you will actually see the beak in the air cell. I call this the Full Internal Pip Day. I use this day as the target day for the egg to arrive at its optimum weight. Thereafter the chick will still lose weight but it will not affect its viability.
E. MANUAL RECORD KEEPING I.
Sample Data Card or Record You can keep a data card or sheet for each egg or batch of egg as follows:
PEN NO. A1 DAY 4 FERTILE, BUT OVER BY - 0.78%, INCREASE HUMIDITY
EGG NO. BQ3 DAY 7 VEIN GROWTH GOOD, W-L NOW 0.12%
DATE 03/10/00 DAY 12 W-L NOW + 1.8%. SHOULD BE OK.
IP DAY 15
DAY 0 DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5
REQ. WEIGHT 5.98 5.93 5.87 5.82 5.76 5.71
ACT WEIGHT 5.91 5.85 5.78 5.72 5.68
DAY LOSS 0.07 0.06 0.07 0.06 0.04
TEMP 99.7
HUMIDITY 55%
This is just a sample. Once you are in "control" of each egg or each batch of egg, your breeding becomes more "scientific" in the sense that you can now determine the egg condition of a particular crossing, or the effects on the egg shell of a new feed mixture. You can now take dietary or nutritional remedial action based on "facts", ie. if an egg from a particular hen is consistently too porous, you can come to the conclusion that its calcium uptake is poor and can specifically treat it for the problem rather than blanket treatment of the entire flock.
F. SPREADSHEET.
The spreadsheet has the added advantage of being portable. I use an out of production handheld, the HP200LX. The machine can store years of historical data using Lotus 123. Secondhand units are selling for USD299 I believe over the internet. I have uploaded a "teaching" spreadsheet. I have also uploaded an FAQ. Please respect my intellectual ownership by not erasing the copyright mark should you send it to friends or use it.
Ask me questions to expand on the FAQ and make it more comprehensive.
Regards
HS Wong Kuala Lumpur1997
Hs_wong33@yahoo.com