A survey of the hatchability of broiler and turkey eggs in the United States from 1985 through 2005.

A survey was conducted of the hatchability of broiler and turkey eggs set in US commercial hatcheries from 1985 through 2005. In 2005, a total of 11 billion broiler eggs and 343 million turkey eggs were set, compared with 5.6 billion broiler eggs and 258 million turkey eggs set in 1985. These numbers represented increases of 98 and 33% in the respective totals of broiler and turkey eggs set since 1985. Hatchability during this period ranged from 79 to 82% for broiler eggs and 76 to 80% for turkey eggs. Advances in nutrition, genetic selection, and management of broiler and turkey flocks during this time period did not result in an increase in hatchability. The economic loss associated with the lack of improved hatchability in the year 2005 was in excess of $500 million.