Factors Affecting Fertility, Hatchability and Chick Survivability in Poultry Germplasm under Sub Temperate Conditions

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of season, genotype, age of breeder hen and source of egg collection on fertility, hatchability and chick survivability at Palampur during July 2010 to August 2012. There was significant effect of season on the fertility (P<0.01). The highest average fertility was observed in winter (90.54±0.64%) followed by monsoon (86.74±1.45%) and summer (84.73±1.67%). The highest mean fertility was found in Native, followed by Native x Dahlem Red (DR) and Native x Rhode Island Red (RIR). The highest average fertility and hatchability were observed in 40-60 week age group followed by 26-40 week and 60 and above. The source of collection of egg also has significant effect on hatchability as well as fertility (p<0.01). Eggs collected from farmer's flock had lower fertility (81.06±1.33%) and hatchability (67.61±1.80%) when compared with fertility (88.27±0.88%) and hatchability (74.70±1.17%) of farm's eggs. The hatchability operation under sub temperate condition of the region can be effectively carried out throughout the year without much reduction in fertility and hatchability, although greater care and managemental precision must be exercised in winter season both during hatching as well as brooding in the region.