Embryodiagnosis: a diagnostic tool for chicken egg incubation process

Abstract

This review aimed to provide an updated synthesis of embryodiagnosis, including its conceptual basis, categorical classification, calculation formulas, and standard reference values. Embryodiagnosis is an essential tool for comprehensive incubation analysis, requiring properly trained personnel. This technique involves the selective opening of eggshells from eggs that failed to hatch after the normal incubation period. This procedure is performed to determine the causes of chick hatching failure, as well as to identify the precise chronological stage of embryonic development at which the failure occurred, leading to incubation failure for that specific embryo. Additionally, it helps assess whether the egg is infertile or if other factors compromise embryo integrity and viability. This analysis identifies case patterns within each category (Phase I, II, and III), enabling timely corrective actions in breeder flock management, fertile egg transport to hatcheries, or due to improper handling of storage conditions and during incubation. The review concludes by detailing both basic and weighted calculation methods.