Members of the Aviagen Hatchery Support team in Edinburgh have presented at the World Poultry Science Association’s (WPSA’s) annual Incubation and Fertility Research Group (IFRG) meeting, which took place on 4 and 5 October.
Dr Ampai Nangsuay and Dr Tolga Erkus addressed the developmental and hatchability benefits of the Short Periods of Incubation During Egg Storage (SPIDES) approach. SPIDES is an Aviagen hatchery innovation that results in improved hatchability by using a thermal process to repair cellular damage in eggs that have been stored for extended periods of time.
Dr Nangsuay talked about embryo development after lay and during transport and storage in tropical conditions, and how these might affect the impact of SPIDES treatments. Dr Erkus focused on the impact of SPIDES duration on embryonic development and hatchability of eggs laid by young and older grandparent flocks.
The Aviagen Global Hatchery Support team also assisted Global Consultant Dr Murray Bakst in a hands-on, practical demonstration of how to isolate and stage an embryo.
The WPSA is a long-established organisation that strives to advance knowledge and understanding of all aspects of poultry science and the poultry industry by encouraging collaboration among research scientists and educators and those working in the many diverse sectors of the industry.