Heaviest breakage occurs in the top layer of the case. Some shippers 

 give extra protection here. Oversize cases should be used where eggs run 

 large and special attention should be given the tops of the cases. 



Hatchability Tests 



Hatchability reports were obtained on all test shipments at the Mary- 

 land hatcheries' end and in part at New Hampshire production and shipping 

 points. The results were quite variable and no conclusive data were ob- 

 tained on comparative hatchability at shipping and receiving points. ( See 

 Table 12. 1 Producer A had good hatchability while B is below average. 

 It appears that more accurate data on the influence of handling and trans- 

 porting hatching eggs can be obtained by shipping them out and returning 

 them and hatching all lots in the same incubators. 



These data are shown in Table 12 and in Table 13. 



Table 12. Hatchings of Eggs from Eight Shipments to Maryland in 1948 



Recommendations 



1. Because of the importance of hatching eggs for broiler purposes, . 

 consideration might be given to feeding and dressing trials on various 

 strains to obtain comparative facts on rapidity and economy of gains, con- 

 formation, and dressing and grading percentages. Such facts may serve 

 as a guide in developing the industry. 



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