Effects and Interactions of Incubation Time and Preplacement Holding Time on Mortality at Placement, Yolk Sac Utilization, Early Feeding Behavior and Broiler Live Performance.

The effects and interactions of incubation time and chick preplacement holding time on mortality at placement, utilization of yolk sac, crop filling rate, early feeding-drinking behavior, and broiler live performance were investigated. Ross 308 broiler hatching eggs from a 39-week-old flock were set in two identical setters in a commercial hatchery, with the setting time 12 h earlier in one machine. At the end of incubation, chicks were removed from the hatchers at the same time.