Embryo development and hatchery practice in poultry production: (Burleigh Dodds Series in Agricultural Science)

It is widely recognised that developments in the chick embryo have a profound effect on hatchability and the subsequent health and productive capacity of poultry. With a stronger focus on welfare, prevention of disease and more sustainable poultry production, understanding these early stages has never been more crucial. Embryo development and hatchery practice in poultry production addresses the key stages and factors in embryo development in poultry to optimise hatchability and chick health. The book reviews the role of parental and environmental factors on embryo development and skeletal growth, as well as the use of feed extracts and probiotics to improve chick growth and boost immune function. The book also reviews the effects of incubation on chick health and development, including factors such as temperature, light exposure and humidity. Through focussed and authoritative discussions, the book details best practices for managing a hatchery environment to ensure that chick welfare, health and productive capacity are optimized. Edited by one of the most notable names in the field, Embryo development and hatchery practice in poultry production will be a standard reference for poultry scientists, breeders, government and private sector agencies supporting sustainable poultry production.

Table of Contents:
Part 1: Parental influences and embryo development 1. Genetic selection of breeder poultry for improved hatchability: David Cavero, H&N International GmbH, Germany 2. Managing breeder poultry flocks to optimise hatchability and chick health: Rick van Emous, Wageningen University, The Netherlands 3. Key stages in embryo development in poultry: Marleen Boerjan, formerly Pas Reform Hatchery Technology, The Netherlands 4. Assessing poultry semen quality: Murray Bakst, formerly USDA-ARS, USA 5. In ovo sexing in poultry chicks: Anke Förster, Agri Advanced Technologies GmbH, Germany; and Thomas Bartels, Friedrich-Löffler-Institute, Germany 6. Poultry chick embryo development and skeletal growth: Edgar Oviedo, North Carolina State University, USA 7. Advances in understanding the development of defences against pathogens in the chicken egg: Maureen Bain, University of Glasgow, UK 8. In ovo vaccination of chicken eggs: Chris Williams, Zoetis, USA 9. Chicken egg storage and transport: Dinah Nicholson, Aviagen, UK Part 2: Incubation 10. Advances in incubator technology for poultry eggs: Ron Meijerhof, Poultry Performance Plus, The Netherlands 11. Understanding the effects of incubator temperature on embryo and post-hatch chick development: Michael Hulet, formerly Penn State University, USA 12. Understanding the effects of light on embryo and post-hatch chick development: Israel Rozenboim, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel 13. Understanding the effects of humidity/air composition on embryo and post-hatch chick development: David Peebles, Mississippi State University, USA 14. The role of egg turning in embryo development: Okan Elibol, Ankara University, Turkey Part 3: Managing the hatching stage 15. Managing the poultry hatcher environment: Henry van den Brand, Wageningen University, The Netherlands 16. Key issues in chick hatchery management: Roos Molenaar, Wageningen University, The Netherlands 17. Key issues in transportation of chicks to farms for rearing as pullets: Malcolm Mitchell, SRUC, UK

About the Author :
Dr Nick French is former Head of Technical Transfer at Aviagen, one of the world’s foremost poultry breeding companies. Over a career of nearly 40 years, Nick has been Director of the Aviagen Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEAA) School responsible for training in the poultry industry. He is a former President of the Incubation and Fertility Research Group (IFRG), one of the Working Groups of the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA), and has published widely in the area of poultry embryo development and hatchery science. His distinguished contribution to both research and practice has been recognised in the Nick French Award.

Review :
“The one thing that really struck me about this book was the calibre of the editorial team and the international range and expertise of the contributing editors and authors. With over 550 pages this book is well worth its place on the bookshelf of anyone who is interested in poultry breeding and genomics.” (International Hatchery Practice)