Efficiency And Ultilization Of Argis Electro charge Incubator In Hatching Mallard Duck (Anas Platrhynchos) Eggs In Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

Incubator is a device enclosure where environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, can be controlled at optimal levels for growth, reproduction of hatching of fertilized eggs. Argis electrocharge incubator was experimented at the Duck Unit of Animal Production Teaching and Research Farm (APTRF), Faculty of Agriculture, DSUST, Ozoro, to examine the efficiency and utilization in hatching mallard duck eggs. Experimental birds used for this research work were Mallard ducks belonging to the family of Anatidae, with a sex ratio of 1:5 and laying ranged 8 to 12 eggs per clutch. Eggs laid by ducks were stored for 7 days at a room temperature between 15^oC and 18^oC and 70 to 80 % RH before being placed in the incubator. Eggs are turned manually alongside with automatic temperature regulator between 37.5^oC to 38.5 ^oC. Eggs were candled twice (at 7^th day after egg set and at 25^th day before hatch stage) to examine fertile and infertile eggs. Percentages of hatchability, fertility, hatch percent and efficiency was determined. Results obtained for the incubation period (29 days) shows 53.57% hatch percent, 82.1% fertility, 78.95% hatchability and 53.57% incubator efficiency. The efficiency of Argis electrocharge incubator had proven capable of hatching mallard duck eggs. In conclusion, the result revealed that for the incubation period (29 days) of using the Argis electrocharge incubator, the incubator has an average efficiency and capability in hatching mallard ducks eggs.