ABSTRACT
The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of the storage period and breeder age on water loss during fertile eggs transport. The research was conducted in a poultry integrator company in the State of São Paulo – Brazil. Three shipments were evaluated in different seasons and box density. The study of egg water loss used a total of 18 boxes containing 4,320 eggs in acclimatized truck six boxes of each treatment that consisted of three storage periods – totalizing 1,400 eggs – per shipment. The microclimate characterization of the container was evaluated by 18 dataloggers inside the boxes, which recorded the following variables: dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, and enthalpy. The evaluation of water loss eggs was performed by mass of 140 eggs of each individual treatment. The experimental design used was completely randomized with factorial scheme 3 x 3. The microclimate conditions of cargo transported for all seasons were above the upper optimum range. Regardless of breeder age and microclimate conditions, increased storage time leads to greater water loss, and worst microclimate conditions.
ambience; pre-gate operation; poultry; weight loss; fertile eggs
