Autumn and winter are ideal seasons for raising geese, especially when it comes to hatching goose eggs. However, due to the large size of the eggs and their relatively low artificial hatching rate, this remains a significant challenge in hatchery production. To address this issue, Qingshen County in Sichuan Province has successfully implemented a bionic incubator, significantly improving both hatching rates and the quality of goslings. Below, we’ll explore the technology behind this innovative system.
The bionic incubator consists of two main components: a vertical hatching box and a flat hatching box. The vertical incubator is constructed using a stainless steel cylinder with an inner diameter of 40–55 cm and a height of 50–55 cm, surrounded by an outer cylinder. The space between the inner and outer cylinders is about 6–8 cm, forming a thermal insulation layer. At the bottom, there are inlet and drain pipes (2–5 cm in diameter) that connect to the middle layer. An exhaust pipe (0.5 cm in diameter) runs along the side, while vent and overflow pipes (2 cm and 0.5 cm in diameter, respectively) are installed at the bottom and middle of the thermostat. A heat storage layer is placed inside, and the outer walls are insulated for better temperature control. The egg trays are round sieves, with heights ranging from 8–10 cm and six layers arranged on wooden supports. A warm quilt is placed at the bottom of the lid, and three small holes are drilled in the center to monitor and adjust temperature.
The flat hatching box is made from stainless steel or lightweight metal, measuring 150 cm long, 80 cm wide, and 28 cm high. It features a double-layer structure with a 3 cm gap between the inner and outer walls. Each floor can hold two sets of egg trays (6 cm in height), making it easy to handle. Insulation materials like sawdust and cloths are used to regulate temperature. During the early stages of incubation, eggs are placed in the vertical box to benefit from uniform heat distribution and heat retention. After 17 days, they are moved to the flat box, where water temperature can be adjusted to maintain optimal conditions. This method mimics natural hatching, enhancing the survival rate and adaptability of goslings.
Temperature control follows the Schwarm principle: preheat eggs to 36–38°C for 5–8 hours before starting. The temperature gradually decreases during the mid-stage and slightly increases during the final phase, reaching 38.6–39.2°C in the last few days. Humidity is also crucial—high humidity in the early stage helps eggs absorb heat evenly, while lower humidity in the middle aids metabolism. In the late stage, increased humidity helps loosen the shell for hatching. However, excessive humidity can lead to acidosis if ventilation is poor.
Cooling eggs and spraying water are essential for regulating temperature and humidity. Eggs should be cooled 2–4 times daily, depending on their temperature, to prevent overheating. Water spraying, particularly between days 21 and 32, helps soften the shell, improve gas exchange, and promote proper air chamber development. Spraying with cold or warm water (depending on ambient temperature) enhances hatching success.
Eggs must be turned every 8 hours, with a 180-degree rotation to ensure even heat distribution and prevent adhesion. Manual or automated turning systems help maintain optimal conditions for embryo development.
Finally, the weight loss of eggs during incubation directly affects hatching success. Proper moisture evaporation ensures a well-developed air chamber, which is vital for oxygen supply. Monitoring weight loss and adjusting temperature and humidity accordingly is key to achieving high hatching rates. By implementing these techniques, hatcheries can significantly improve productivity and gosling viability.
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