A36-Lancaster Farming, Saturday, February 6, 1999 Poultry * Pointers (Continued from Page A 25) mg of the eggs. Temperature for proper development is 99 5 degrees F in an incubator that has a small fan and 100 5 degrees F m a still-air incubator The acceptable range for incu bation is between 97 and 102 degrees F. Overheating is more critical than underheating the eggs in regard to successful incubation Embryonic mortali ty is seen if the temperature drops below 96 or above 103 degrees F. Care should be taken to pro vide adequate humidity (60 per cent RH). This is often measured as a wet-bulb temperature that is usually supplied by evapora tion of water contained in the incubator. Ventilation is critical in allowing gas exchange (respi ration) of the developing embryo. However, if too much fresh air is supplied, a consis tent temperature and humidity can not be maintained. If venti lation is inadequate suffocation of the embryos may occur. Turning the eggs during incuba tion is critical in preventing Cl UVUhVPD ELECTRIC MOTORS Qunmnnm supplyco. BAZJDOR MQTOM AMP OWIVM (Dbemilizcr MOTORS • CONTROLS • WELDERS • GENERATORS • PHASE CONVERTORS - STATIC & ROTARY • 24 Hour Emergency Service Shop/On-Site Available (717) 684-5050 ♦ (717) 684-3940 “sticking” of the embryo to the internal egg membrane. Eggs should be turned three to five times per day during incubation except during the last three days prior to hatch Embryonic development may be followed by candling eggs. Candling involves putting a high intensity light source behind the egg to see if any embryonic growth can be detect ed. Hatchery managers will nor mally check eggs after 10 days of incubation. By that time you should only see the air cell illu minated in a developing egg. If the egg is infertile or has died at an early embryonic age, the whole egg will be illuminated. Those eggs that were clear or illuminated can be removed, opened and stage of develop ment determined pr confirmed that the egg was infertile. An infertile egg has a concen trated white mass in the center of the white disc (blastodisc) on the surface of the yolk. A devel oping fertile egg will have either a concentric, uniform growth of white tissues or if the embryo Ouahnj Si n (trs Riavinahltj Piiittl Hydraulic/Hoses/Fittings 146 Penn St., Washington Boro LANCASTER COUNTY, PA Tnfifsna died quite early, you will see a “donut” or opaque (clear) shaped area in the center of the blas todisc surrounded by white developing tissue. The presence of blood islands, blood vessels, or a developing embryo with a visi ble heart would indicate a three day or older chick. The first four days of incuba tion can be a time of high embry onic mortality (2 to 4 percent). It is the period when all critical and complex embryonic organ systems develop and connected. The incubation time of from five to twelve days is a period of growth of the embryo and the embryonic organ systems and minimal loss of embryos is nor mally found (0.5 percent). The last major stage of development 12 to 21 days) has the matura tion of the digestive and respira tory system as well as the com pletion of growth. Late develop ment is also a critical stage of development and can have a normal mortality in the range of three to five percent. Successful , hatching of birds can be very rewarding and an excellent way of training young minds on basic biological sys tems and the miracle of life. v i;i 101,; WML Lancaster Farming Check Out Our Web Site www.lancasterfarming.com Soil Nutrient Management Workshop Feb. 9 POTTSVILLE (Schuylkdl Co ) A Soil Nutrient Management Workshop will be presented by Penn State Extension including three Tuesday evening sessions, scheduled Feb. 9, and Feb. 23, from 7pm to 9 p.m, at the Schuylkill County Ag Center. The program is designed to be a practical clinic to prepare for planting your 1999 field crops. The discussions will cover taking and interpreting soil tests, determining crop nutrient Career in Ag Night, Feb. 20 YORK (York Co.) On Feb. 20, Penn State Cooperative Extension will sponsor a “Careers in Agriculture Night” at the York County 4-H Center. The event will be open to all York County youth who are interested in exploring careers in the field of agriculture. According to Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture, Samuel Hayes Jr., there are more careers available now than ever before m agriculture. The career exploration will run from 6:30 p m. to 8:30 p.m. Light snacks will be served * & FISHER'S PAINTING & IK~L, FISHER’S PAINT OUTLET STORE QUALITY PAINTS @ REASONABLE PRICES ■ ALL TYPES OF INTERIOR & EXTERIOR Up J PAINTING . ■ SANDBLASTING N ROOF COATING ■ RESTORATION & WATERPROOFING ON STONE & BRICK BUILDINGS HOUSES - BARNS - FENCES - FACTORIES - ETC. 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