WO2008141846A1 - Method for improving weight loss control of an egg in a controlled incubation or storage environment, particularly for eggs of galliforms - Google Patents

Method for improving weight loss control of an egg in a controlled incubation or storage environment, particularly for eggs of galliforms Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008141846A1
WO2008141846A1 PCT/EP2008/052243 EP2008052243W WO2008141846A1 WO 2008141846 A1 WO2008141846 A1 WO 2008141846A1 EP 2008052243 W EP2008052243 W EP 2008052243W WO 2008141846 A1 WO2008141846 A1 WO 2008141846A1
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Prior art keywords
eggs
incubation
value
dpm
average
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PCT/EP2008/052243
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French (fr)
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WO2008141846A8 (en
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Alberto Padovan
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Alberto Padovan
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Publication of WO2008141846A8 publication Critical patent/WO2008141846A8/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K41/00—Incubators for poultry
    • A01K41/04—Controlling humidity in incubators

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for improving control of the weight loss of an egg in a controlled incubation or storage environment, and in particular for eggs of galliforms.
  • galliform is used to reference hens, chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks, geese, guinea-hens, pheasants and any other domestic fowl; their farming has been increasing due to the importance of the meat and eggs of these animals in human nutrition.
  • a freshly laid egg contains approximately 66% water; during incubation, each gram of metabolized fat produces approximately 1 gram of water.
  • the weight loss of the eggs during their incubation is mainly a consequence of the loss of water vapor into the environment.
  • the percentage of water inside the egg must be approximately 66%, and this is achieved by means of an average evaporation of 1 1 -12% of water during the incubation cycle.
  • the average percentage varies in relation to the egg: for example in turkeys, with initially laid eggs a percentage of 9% is optimum, while at the end of laying the optimum percentage is 13-14%; in the present document, by way of non-limiting example of the applicability of the invention, reference is made to a value of the target average evaporation percentage of 11.5% with reference to turkey eggs.
  • incubation machines In order to limit and possibly eliminate this phenomenon of dehydration or poor evaporation, incubation machines have been devised which are equipped with means for controlling and adjusting the humidity and temperature inside the incubation chamber.
  • incubation machines which are provided with automatic weighing means for a tray (which has the capacity of approximately 100 eggs in the exemplifying case of turkey eggs) or a trolley of trays (for a total of approximately 3600 turkey eggs), said weighing being performed during the incubation cycle.
  • weight is detected automatically at preset regular intervals; with these data, the weight loss per unit time is determined, the future weight loss is estimated with a series of adjustments and the operation of the temperature and humidity adjustment means, which also comprise air replacement means, of the incubation machine is adjusted accordingly by means of an electronic controller, which can be a PLC ("Programmable Logic Controller", an industrial computer specialized in the management of industrial processes) or a personal computer.
  • PLC Programmable Logic Controller
  • the weight loss percentage can vary up to 1.8% from one trolley to another, a value which is not irrelevant in view of a target value of 12% weight loss; it is even worse for tray weighing machines since the weight loss values can vary among trays up to 2.5% for trays of a same batch
  • batch (where the term "batch” is used to reference a set of eggs which arrives from a same group of females) and up to 4% between trays of different batches.
  • the aim of the present invention is to provide a method for improving control of the weight loss of an embryo in incubation in a controlled environment, and in particular for eggs of galliforms, capable of obviating the drawbacks revealed by known methods.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a method by means of which it is possible to manage weight loss control with limited investments both in terms of machinery and in terms of specialized labor.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a method which allows to optimize the percentage of hatching of the incubated eggs as well as the quality of the build of the chicks that come out of such eggs.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method which is capable of optimizing the representativeness of the sample, regardless of the incubation machine used, of the quantity of eggs taken as a sample and of the number of batches that are present in the incubation machine.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method which is simple to perform.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving control of the weight loss of an embryo in incubation in a controlled environment, and in particular for eggs of galliforms, which can be provided cheaply with known systems and technologies.
  • DPM progressive average pressure differential
  • Figure 1 is a diagram of an apparatus with which the method according to the invention is to be provided;
  • Figure 2 is a flowchart of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the method according to the invention. Ways of carrying out the Invention
  • the reference numeral 10 designates a generic controlled incubation environment, which can be for example an incubation chamber with controlled temperature and humidity; the environment 10 can also be a storage area in which the eggs are stored before being transferred to incubation.
  • the reference numeral 11 designates a generic egg-carrying tray, which is an example of generic egg containment means 12, which can be one or more trays but also one or more trolleys.
  • Temperature adjustment means 13 for example a resistor-type heater
  • humidity adjustment means 14 for example a humidifier optionally associated with a dehumidifier
  • air recirculation and replacement means 15, such as a fan are associated with the incubation chamber 10.
  • temperature detection means 16 for example a thermometer
  • humidity detection means 17 for example a hygrometer, also of a known type.
  • the data acquired by the temperature detection means 16 and the humidity detection means 17 are collected by an electronic controller 18, which can be a personal computer or a PLC or other equivalent unit.
  • the method for improving control of the weight loss of an embryo in incubation in a controlled environment, particularly for eggs of galliforms comprises, in a first constructive variation shown schematically in Figure 2, the following first operations: - detecting continuously or at predefined intervals the temperature T inside the controlled environment 10 in which one or more trays 1 1 of eggs 12 are stored (block 20 in Figure 2), - detecting continuously or at predefined intervals the degree of humidity U within the controlled environment 10 (block 20 in Figure 2), - calculating continuously or at predefined intervals the water vapor pressure difference DP 1 between the inside and the outside of the shell of the eggs 12, as a function of the values of the temperature T and of the degree of humidity U detected in the controlled environment 10 (block 21 in Figure 2),
  • the second series of operations comprises the comparison (block 22 in Figure 2), continuously or at preset time intervals, of the values of the calculated progressive average difference DPM with a corresponding interval ⁇ DPO in the neighborhood of the target value of the pressure difference DPO, an interval which is preset according to a predefined incubation plan, which is designated schematically by the reference numeral 19a in Figure 1 and is represented as a data item which enters the PLC 18.
  • the controller 18 acts as follows: when the value of the progressive average differential DPM is higher than the upper limit of the interval ⁇ DPO, then it acts to increase the humidity inside the controlled environment 10 (block 23), when instead the value of DPM is lower than the lower limit of the interval ⁇ DPO, then the controller 18 acts to reduce the humidity with the controlled environment 10 (block 24); if the value DPM is within the interval ⁇ DPO, the controller 18 does not intervene.
  • the controller 18 is programmed to work in compliance with the limits of oscillation provided for the other values controlled typically in known types of incubation machine, such as for example temperature, humidity, CO 2 level, depending on what is provided in the predefined incubation plan.
  • This method according to the invention differs from known incubation methods in that there is no continuous weighing of the eggs during the incubation process; this implies that this method can be performed without bearing the onerous costs for the purchase and maintenance of weighing machines.
  • the method according to the invention can in fact comprise an initial operation for estimating the average weight WM of the eggs, manually weighing one tray per batch, and in general a sample of at least 100 eggs per batch, and subsequent determination of the average weight of the batches.
  • the estimate of the average weight WM of the eggs can be determined by using the weights of the previous weeks and the normal growth curves related to the eggs of the race being incubated.
  • Another alternative is to determine the estimate of the average weight WM by using the growth tables prepared by the genetic selector.
  • This comparison operation can be simplified as a verification of the fact that DM is higher than the upper limit of the interval ⁇ DM0 (block 125a), lower than the lower limit of the interval ⁇ DM0 (block 125b), or within the interval ⁇ DM0.
  • DPI [0.0006127 x (V) + 0.0054035 x (T 2 ) + 0.4955028 x T + 6.224] -
  • the function that ties the conductance C to the progressive average weight WM and to the elapsed incubation period DT is improved by means of constants linked to the race to which the incubating eggs 12 belong.
  • Kl corresponds to the initial average weight of the eggs of a certain race
  • K3 corresponds to the total time needed on average to obtain chicks from the eggs of a given species, a value which for example for a turkey corresponds to 27 days and 18 hours.
  • the first constant Kl is 78
  • the second constant K2 is 0.035
  • the third constant K3 is 27.75, this last value corresponding to the duration of the entire incubation cycle, with sixtieths related to the minutes converted into hundredths.
  • the percentage weight loss DM is a function of the conductance C, of the value of the current progressive average pressure difference DPM, of the progressive average weight of the egg WM and of the elapsed incubation period DT, according to the formula
  • DM [(C x DPM x DT) / 1000] / WM where the elapsed incubation period DT is expressed in days and decimals of a day.
  • Figure 1 also shows schematically detectors 30 for the amount of CO 2 and O 2 in the air in the controlled environment 10 and any weighing means 31 , to be used only at the beginning of incubation, as specified above.
  • tray B of batch no. 1 which in the test actually evaporated 13.7%, is taken and if one sets the machine to 11%, all the other trays will evaporate approximately, and in a simplified manner, 2.7% less, obtaining the following results from the test being considered:
  • An incubation plan is selected among the ones preloaded in the PLC.
  • the PLC calculates the conductance C.
  • the controller 18 calculates the progressive average pressure differential DPM obtained from the beginning of incubation up to that time and compares it with the target progressive average pressure differential DPO provided in the plan; or, at each preset time interval, for example one hour, the controller 18 calculates the percentage of weight loss of the egg expected at that moment DM and compares it with the target percentage DMO provided in the plan.
  • ⁇ DM0 with respect to the target value DPO or DMO as defined in the plan, there is no intervention suitable to modify the evaporation in progress; if instead the calculated value is higher than the upper limit of the interval ⁇ DPO or ⁇ DM0, then one acts to increase the humidity inside the closed environment 10; when instead it is lower than the lower value of the corresponding interval ⁇ DPO or ⁇ DMO, then one acts to reduce the humidity inside the controlled environment, all in compliance with the priorities and oscillation limits provided for the other controlled values in the incubators such as for example temperature, humidity, CO 2 , as provided in the plan.
  • the present invention provides a method by means of which it is possible to manage the control of weight loss with reduced investments both in terms of machinery and in terms of specialized labor.
  • the present invention provides a method which is capable of optimizing the representativeness of the sample, regardless of the incubation machine used. Moreover, the invention provides a method which is simple to perform, since it is sufficient to have available a PLC or a personal computer of a known type.
  • the present invention provides a method for improving control of the weight loss of an embryo in incubation in a controlled environment, and in particular for eggs of galliforms, which can be provided cheaply with known systems and technologies.
  • the method according to the invention is to be deemed applicable also to improve control of weight loss of other animal and vegetable organisms, in a controlled incubation or storage environment, and for seasoning or preservation of foodstuffs, such as for example fruit, vegetables, ham, sausages, cheese and the like.

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Abstract

A method for improving control of the weight loss of an egg in a controlled incubation or storage environment, particularly for eggs of galliforms. The method comprises at least the following first operations: detecting the temperature (T) and humidity (U) inside a controlled incubation or storage environment (10) in which one or more trays (11) of eggs (12) are stored, calculating the difference in water vapor pressure (DP1) between the inside and the outside of the shell of the eggs (12) as a function of the values of temperature (T) and degree of humidity (U) detected, calculating the progressive average pressure differential of the water vapor (DPM) given by the average of all the water vapor pressure values (DP1) calculated starting from the beginning of incubation or storage and up to a preset instant, comparing the value of the calculated progressive average pressure difference (DPM) with corresponding target pressure difference values (DP0) which are preset according to a predefined incubation plan, acting to increase the humidity inside the controlled environment (10) when the value of the progressive average pressure difference (DPM) is higher than the upper limit of a preset interval (ΔDP0) which contains the target value (DP0); acting to decrease the humidity inside the controlled environment (10) when instead the value of the progressive average pressure difference (DPM) is lower than the lower limit of said preset interval (ΔDP0); when the value of the progressive average pressure difference (DPM) is within the interval (ΔDP0), then no intervention occurs.

Description

METHOD FOR IMPROVING WEIGHT LOSS CONTROL OF AN EGG IN A CONTROLLED INCUBATION OR STORAGE ENVIRONMENT, PARTICULARLY FOR EGGS OF GALLIFORMS Technical field The present invention relates to a method for improving control of the weight loss of an egg in a controlled incubation or storage environment, and in particular for eggs of galliforms. Background Art
The term "galliform" is used to reference hens, chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks, geese, guinea-hens, pheasants and any other domestic fowl; their farming has been increasing due to the importance of the meat and eggs of these animals in human nutrition.
The use of these birds is one of the main fields of zootechny, and indeed their farming has achieved extensive development both in small farms and on a large scale in specialized facilities provided with modern equipment, such as the most recent incubators which can house up to several thousand eggs.
A freshly laid egg contains approximately 66% water; during incubation, each gram of metabolized fat produces approximately 1 gram of water.
The weight loss of the eggs during their incubation is mainly a consequence of the loss of water vapor into the environment.
For incubation to be optimum, at the end of its cycle the percentage of water inside the egg must be approximately 66%, and this is achieved by means of an average evaporation of 1 1 -12% of water during the incubation cycle.
The average percentage varies in relation to the egg: for example in turkeys, with initially laid eggs a percentage of 9% is optimum, while at the end of laying the optimum percentage is 13-14%; in the present document, by way of non-limiting example of the applicability of the invention, reference is made to a value of the target average evaporation percentage of 11.5% with reference to turkey eggs.
The benefits of correct weight loss are that they lead to the birth of chicks of good quality and provide a good percentage of hatching (surviving chicks), but due to temperature and humidity fluctuations the average target of 11.5% is often not reached extensively.
In order to limit and possibly eliminate this phenomenon of dehydration or poor evaporation, incubation machines have been devised which are equipped with means for controlling and adjusting the humidity and temperature inside the incubation chamber.
With these machines, correct incubation is achieved by setting manually a certain value of humidity which must be present inside the incubation chamber and by checking at the end of the incubation cycle, by sampling, what evaporation has actually been achieved. Although these machines are simple and widespread, they have limitations, due to the fact that the result of the incubation is strongly tied to the experience of the operator who runs the machine, in addition to the fact that the actual percentage of weight loss becomes known only at the end of the incubation cycle; moreover, only a numerically very small sample is weighed at the beginning and at the end of the cycle in order to calculate the difference in weight and the weight loss percentage, and this weighing occurs substantially manually; this entails that the results are not only biased by poor representativeness, but also may be subject to the unavoidable human error that can occur in weighing. As an alternative, incubation machines are known which are provided with automatic weighing means for a tray (which has the capacity of approximately 100 eggs in the exemplifying case of turkey eggs) or a trolley of trays (for a total of approximately 3600 turkey eggs), said weighing being performed during the incubation cycle. With these machines, weight is detected automatically at preset regular intervals; with these data, the weight loss per unit time is determined, the future weight loss is estimated with a series of adjustments and the operation of the temperature and humidity adjustment means, which also comprise air replacement means, of the incubation machine is adjusted accordingly by means of an electronic controller, which can be a PLC ("Programmable Logic Controller", an industrial computer specialized in the management of industrial processes) or a personal computer.
Although these machines improve the management of the incubation cycle, they are not free from drawbacks. A first drawback can be seen in the initial investment required to set up the weighing means, which must then be managed by specialized operators who deal with the maintenance and periodic calibration of the weighing devices.
Further, automatic weighing does not detect the presence of broken or cracked eggs, which by providing higher evaporation may affect the weight loss average, compromising the correct weight loss of the other eggs.
Moreover, it has been verified statistically that for trolley weighing machines the weight loss percentage can vary up to 1.8% from one trolley to another, a value which is not irrelevant in view of a target value of 12% weight loss; it is even worse for tray weighing machines since the weight loss values can vary among trays up to 2.5% for trays of a same batch
(where the term "batch" is used to reference a set of eggs which arrives from a same group of females) and up to 4% between trays of different batches.
This entails that since not all the trays are weighed and not all the trolleys are weighed, but only a sample of one tray is weighed, where the machine normally contains one or more hundreds, or only one trolley where the machine normally contains from four to a few tens thereof, the incubation plans with which the incubation machine is to be set can turn out to be incorrect for a large number of eggs due to the possible scarce representativeness of the weighed sample. Disclosure of the Invention
The aim of the present invention is to provide a method for improving control of the weight loss of an embryo in incubation in a controlled environment, and in particular for eggs of galliforms, capable of obviating the drawbacks revealed by known methods.
Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a method by means of which it is possible to manage weight loss control with limited investments both in terms of machinery and in terms of specialized labor. Another object of the invention is to provide a method which allows to optimize the percentage of hatching of the incubated eggs as well as the quality of the build of the chicks that come out of such eggs.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method which is capable of optimizing the representativeness of the sample, regardless of the incubation machine used, of the quantity of eggs taken as a sample and of the number of batches that are present in the incubation machine.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method which is simple to perform.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving control of the weight loss of an embryo in incubation in a controlled environment, and in particular for eggs of galliforms, which can be provided cheaply with known systems and technologies.
This aim and these and other objects, which will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a method for improving control of the weight loss of an egg in a controlled incubation or storage environment, particularly for eggs of galliforms, which comprises at least the following first operations:
- detecting continuously or at preset intervals the temperature (T) inside a controlled incubation environment in which one or more trays of eggs are stored, — detecting continuously or at preset intervals the degree of humidity (U) inside said controlled environment,
— calculating continuously or at preset intervals the difference in water vapor pressure (DPI) between the inside and the outside of the shell of the eggs as a function of the values of temperature (T) and degree of humidity (U) detected in the controlled environment,
— calculating continuously or at preset intervals the progressive average pressure differential (DPM) given by the average of all the water vapor pressure values (DPI) calculated starting from the beginning of incubation or storage and up to a preset instant,
— using said value of the progressive average pressure differential (DPM) for a successive series of operations chosen among a second series which comprises:
— comparing continuously or at preset time intervals the calculated pressure difference values (DPM) with corresponding target pressure difference values (DPO) which are preset according to a predefined incubation plan,
— acting to increase the humidity inside the controlled environment when the value of the progressive average pressure difference (DPM) is higher than the upper limit of a preset interval (ΔDP0) which contains the target value (DPO); acting to decrease the humidity inside the controlled environment when instead the value of the progressive average pressure difference (DPM) is lower than the lower limit of said preset interval (ΔDP0); when the value of the progressive average pressure difference (DPM) is within said interval (ΔDP0), then no intervention occurs; or a third series of operations which comprises:
— calculating beforehand the conductance of the shells of the eggs (C) as a function of the average weight (WM) of the eggs being incubated and of the total incubation period (DTT) required on average to hatch the eggs of a given species or race placed in incubation,
- calculating the percentage weight loss (DM) as a function of the variation of the value of the calculated progressive average pressure difference (DPM), of the conductance (C), and of the elapsed incubation period (DT),
- comparing continuously or at preset intervals the values of the calculated percentage weight loss (DM) with corresponding target values of weight loss (DMO), preset according to a chosen incubation plan,
- acting to increase the humidity inside the controlled environment when the calculated value of the percentage weight loss (DM) is higher than the upper limit of a preset interval (ΔDMO) which contains the target value (DMO); acting to decrease the humidity inside the controlled environment when instead the calculated value of the percentage weight loss (DM) is lower than the lower limit of said preset interval (ΔDMO); when the calculated value of the percentage weight loss (DM) is within said interval (ΔDMO), then no intervention occurs. Brief description of the drawings
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the following detailed description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a diagram of an apparatus with which the method according to the invention is to be provided;
Figure 2 is a flowchart of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the method according to the invention. Ways of carrying out the Invention
With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 10 designates a generic controlled incubation environment, which can be for example an incubation chamber with controlled temperature and humidity; the environment 10 can also be a storage area in which the eggs are stored before being transferred to incubation.
The reference numeral 11 designates a generic egg-carrying tray, which is an example of generic egg containment means 12, which can be one or more trays but also one or more trolleys. Temperature adjustment means 13, for example a resistor-type heater, humidity adjustment means 14, for example a humidifier optionally associated with a dehumidifier, and air recirculation and replacement means 15, such as a fan, all of a per se known type, are associated with the incubation chamber 10. Inside the chamber 10 there are also temperature detection means 16, for example a thermometer, and humidity detection means 17, for example a hygrometer, also of a known type.
The data acquired by the temperature detection means 16 and the humidity detection means 17 are collected by an electronic controller 18, which can be a personal computer or a PLC or other equivalent unit.
The method for improving control of the weight loss of an embryo in incubation in a controlled environment, particularly for eggs of galliforms, comprises, in a first constructive variation shown schematically in Figure 2, the following first operations: - detecting continuously or at predefined intervals the temperature T inside the controlled environment 10 in which one or more trays 1 1 of eggs 12 are stored (block 20 in Figure 2), - detecting continuously or at predefined intervals the degree of humidity U within the controlled environment 10 (block 20 in Figure 2), - calculating continuously or at predefined intervals the water vapor pressure difference DP 1 between the inside and the outside of the shell of the eggs 12, as a function of the values of the temperature T and of the degree of humidity U detected in the controlled environment 10 (block 21 in Figure 2),
- calculating the progressive average pressure differential DPM, given by the average of all the values of the water vapor pressure difference DPI calculated for example from the beginning of incubation (or storage) and up to a preset instant (block 21a). This value of the progressive average differential DPM is used for a subsequent series of operations chosen between a second series and a third series described hereafter.
In the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second series of operations comprises the comparison (block 22 in Figure 2), continuously or at preset time intervals, of the values of the calculated progressive average difference DPM with a corresponding interval ΔDPO in the neighborhood of the target value of the pressure difference DPO, an interval which is preset according to a predefined incubation plan, which is designated schematically by the reference numeral 19a in Figure 1 and is represented as a data item which enters the PLC 18.
Following this comparison, which for example consists in checking whether the value of the progressive average pressure difference DPM is higher than the upper limit of the interval ΔDPO (block 25a) or lower than the lower limit of said interval ΔDPO (block 25b), the controller 18 acts as follows: when the value of the progressive average differential DPM is higher than the upper limit of the interval ΔDPO, then it acts to increase the humidity inside the controlled environment 10 (block 23), when instead the value of DPM is lower than the lower limit of the interval ΔDPO, then the controller 18 acts to reduce the humidity with the controlled environment 10 (block 24); if the value DPM is within the interval ΔDPO, the controller 18 does not intervene.
The controller 18 is programmed to work in compliance with the limits of oscillation provided for the other values controlled typically in known types of incubation machine, such as for example temperature, humidity, CO2 level, depending on what is provided in the predefined incubation plan.
This method according to the invention differs from known incubation methods in that there is no continuous weighing of the eggs during the incubation process; this implies that this method can be performed without bearing the onerous costs for the purchase and maintenance of weighing machines.
The method according to the invention can in fact comprise an initial operation for estimating the average weight WM of the eggs, manually weighing one tray per batch, and in general a sample of at least 100 eggs per batch, and subsequent determination of the average weight of the batches.
As an alternative, the estimate of the average weight WM of the eggs can be determined by using the weights of the previous weeks and the normal growth curves related to the eggs of the race being incubated.
Another alternative is to determine the estimate of the average weight WM by using the growth tables prepared by the genetic selector.
These three different methods for estimating the average weight WM have proved themselves equally effective, since it has been verified experimentally that the error of a few grams does not entail substantial variations when using the method according to the invention and that for example an estimate error of 5 grams on the average weight WM determines an error on the weight loss at the end of incubation of approximately 0.4%.
As an alternative to the described second series of operations, in the method according to the invention it is possible to follow the first series of operations (blocks 120, 121 and 121a in Figure 3) with the following third series of operations described hereafter and shown schematically in Figure - calculating the conductance of the shells of the eggs C as a function of the average weight WM of the eggs 12 being incubated and of the total incubation period DTT required on average to obtain chicks from the eggs of a given species (block 126); for example, for turkeys said period DTT corresponds to 27 days and 18 hours;
- calculating the percentage weight loss DM as a function of the variation of the value of the calculated progressive average pressure difference DPM, of the conductance C, and of the elapsed period of incubation DT (block 127),
- comparing (block 128) continuously or at predefined intervals the values of the percentage weight loss DM calculated with a corresponding interval ΔDM0 in the neighborhood of the target value of weight loss DMO, which are preset according to a chosen incubation plan, which is designated schematically by the reference numeral 19b in Figure 1 and shown as a data item which enters the PLC 18.
This comparison operation can be simplified as a verification of the fact that DM is higher than the upper limit of the interval ΔDM0 (block 125a), lower than the lower limit of the interval ΔDM0 (block 125b), or within the interval ΔDM0.
When the value of the calculated percentage weight loss DM is higher than the upper limit of the interval ΔDM0, one then acts to increase the humidity inside the controlled environment 10 (block 123), when instead the value of the calculated percentage weight loss DM is lower than the lower limit of the interval ΔDM0, then one acts to reduce the humidity inside the controlled environment 10 (block 124); if DM is within the interval ΔDM0, the unit 18 does not intervene to reduce or increase humidity. With this third series of operations, the humidity and temperature inside the controlled environment 10 are adjusted directly on the basis of the estimate of the value of the weight loss instead of the pressure difference.
In particular, in the method described here the fact that ties the water vapor pressure difference DPI between the inside and the outside of the shell of the eggs 12 and the temperature values T and the degree of humidity G detected in the controlled environment 10 is DPI = [0.0006127 x (V) + 0.0054035 x (T2) + 0.4955028 x T + 6.224] -
{[0.0006127 x (U3) + 0.0054035 x (U2) + 0.4955028 x U + 6.224] - [0.666 x (T-U)] } with T and U in degrees Celsius.
Generally, in the background art, the value of said conductance C as a function of the progressive average weight WM and of the elapsed incubation time period DT is obtained by means of the formula. C = [(5.13 ± 0.86) x WM] / DT.
In the present invention, the function that ties the conductance C to the progressive average weight WM and to the elapsed incubation period DT is improved by means of constants linked to the race to which the incubating eggs 12 belong. In particular, the value of the conductance C as a function of the progressive average weight WM and of the incubation time period DT is achieved by means of the following formula, corrected with constants K 1 , K2, K3 linked to the race to which the incubating eggs belong: C = { {4.27 + [ (WM-Kl) x K2 ] } x WM} / K3 The first constant Kl corresponds to the initial average weight of the eggs of a certain race, and K3 corresponds to the total time needed on average to obtain chicks from the eggs of a given species, a value which for example for a turkey corresponds to 27 days and 18 hours.
For example, for the incubation of turkey eggs of the race known internationally by the code "Big 6", the first constant Kl is 78, the second constant K2 is 0.035 and the third constant K3 is 27.75, this last value corresponding to the duration of the entire incubation cycle, with sixtieths related to the minutes converted into hundredths.
In relation to the third series of operations, the percentage weight loss DM is a function of the conductance C, of the value of the current progressive average pressure difference DPM, of the progressive average weight of the egg WM and of the elapsed incubation period DT, according to the formula
DM = [(C x DPM x DT) / 1000] / WM where the elapsed incubation period DT is expressed in days and decimals of a day.
By using a personal computer or a PLC 18 of a per se known type, with the method according to the invention it is possible to both read the processed data and to manage directly and automatically the means for adjusting the temperature 13 and the humidity 14, as well as the air recirculation means 15.
With this method according to the invention it is possible to set as target a value of the percentage weight loss which is progressive for all the incubation time or at predefined intervals, or to set as target a value of the pressure difference which is also progressive or at intervals. Figure 1 also shows schematically detectors 30 for the amount of CO2 and O2 in the air in the controlled environment 10 and any weighing means 31 , to be used only at the beginning of incubation, as specified above.
The many tests performed with this method according to the invention have shown that the method according to the invention is highly reliable, error margins limited to 0.2%-0.6% having been detected which are much lower than the physiological errors of known types of method.
For example, with an evaporation test on a known type of incubator, with the method according to the invention based on DPM evaluation, starting from the assumption that one wishes to have an optimum weight loss of about 11-11.5%, setting as target a progressive average pressure differential DPO of 27 at 25 days, the following results are obtained:
- batch no. 1 with eggs weighing 98 g = 12.4% real and 12.1% calculated - batch no. 2 with eggs weighing 94 g = 12.0% real and 11.8% calculated
- batch no. 3 with eggs weighing 9O g = 1 1.9% real and 11.3% calculated
- batch no. 4 with eggs weighing 84 g = 10.6% real and 10.8% calculated
When using a method of a known type, a method with automatic tray weighing, first of all it is necessary to choose at random a tray of eggs and hope that it is representative; for example, if one takes the tray A of batch no. 4, which in the test actually evaporated 9.7%, and one sets the machine to 11%, one has that all the other trays evaporate approximately and in a simplified manner with an additional initial 1.3% extra, obtaining from the test being considered the following results:
- batch no. 1 with eggs weighing 98 g = 13.7% real
- batch no. 2 with eggs weighing 94 g = 13.3% real - batch no. 3 with eggs weighing 9O g = 13.2% real
- batch no. 4 with eggs weighing 84 g = 11.9% real obtaining excessively high evaporation percentages with respect to the preset target.
If in the same manner tray B of batch no. 1, which in the test actually evaporated 13.7%, is taken and if one sets the machine to 11%, all the other trays will evaporate approximately, and in a simplified manner, 2.7% less, obtaining the following results from the test being considered:
- batch no. 1 with eggs weighing 98 g = 9.7% real
- batch no. 2 with eggs weighing 94 g = 9.3% real - batch no. 3 with eggs weighing 9O g = 9.2% real - batch no. 4 with eggs weighing 84 g = 7.9% real
In this case, one has excessively low evaporation percentages, with great problems of hatchability and quality of the chicks.
If one simulates that only eggs of batch no. 1 are inside the machine, we can see that at random we might take a tray which evaporates 11.2% or 13.7%, with an oscillation range of 2.5%.
By instead using the method according to the invention it is possible to estimate the percentage of weight loss of entirely different batches without having the automatic weighing of a certain number of trolleys and/or of a certain number of trays.
An example of use of the method according to the invention with a PLC 18 is as follows.
The weight of the eggs is entered into the PLC or equivalent device, which already contains all typical information related to species and race (for example for turkey, DTT = 27.75); if said machine is used alternately for different species and races, the species and race are selected.
An incubation plan is selected among the ones preloaded in the PLC.
The PLC calculates the conductance C.
At each preset time interval, for example one hour, the controller 18 calculates the progressive average pressure differential DPM obtained from the beginning of incubation up to that time and compares it with the target progressive average pressure differential DPO provided in the plan; or, at each preset time interval, for example one hour, the controller 18 calculates the percentage of weight loss of the egg expected at that moment DM and compares it with the target percentage DMO provided in the plan.
When the value DPM or DM is within the oscillation range, ΔDPO or
ΔDM0, with respect to the target value DPO or DMO as defined in the plan, there is no intervention suitable to modify the evaporation in progress; if instead the calculated value is higher than the upper limit of the interval ΔDPO or ΔDM0, then one acts to increase the humidity inside the closed environment 10; when instead it is lower than the lower value of the corresponding interval ΔDPO or ΔDMO, then one acts to reduce the humidity inside the controlled environment, all in compliance with the priorities and oscillation limits provided for the other controlled values in the incubators such as for example temperature, humidity, CO2, as provided in the plan.
In practice it has been found that the invention thus described achieves the intended aim and objects.
In particular, the present invention provides a method by means of which it is possible to manage the control of weight loss with reduced investments both in terms of machinery and in terms of specialized labor.
Further, the present invention provides a method which is capable of optimizing the representativeness of the sample, regardless of the incubation machine used. Moreover, the invention provides a method which is simple to perform, since it is sufficient to have available a PLC or a personal computer of a known type.
Moreover, the present invention provides a method for improving control of the weight loss of an embryo in incubation in a controlled environment, and in particular for eggs of galliforms, which can be provided cheaply with known systems and technologies.
The method according to the invention is to be deemed applicable also to improve control of weight loss of other animal and vegetable organisms, in a controlled incubation or storage environment, and for seasoning or preservation of foodstuffs, such as for example fruit, vegetables, ham, sausages, cheese and the like.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials, the means and the instruments employed, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.
The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. PD2007A000179 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A method for improving control of the weight loss of an egg in a controlled incubation or storage environment, particularly for eggs of galliforms, comprising at least the following first operations: - detecting continuously or at preset intervals the temperature (T) inside a controlled incubation environment (10) in which one or more trays (1 1) of eggs (12) are stored,
- detecting continuously or at preset intervals the degree of humidity (U) inside said controlled environment (10), — calculating continuously or at preset intervals the difference in water vapor pressure (DPI) between the inside and the outside of the shell of the eggs (12) as a function of the values of temperature (T) and degree of humidity (U) detected in the controlled environment (10), — calculating continuously or at preset intervals the progressive average pressure differential (DPM) given by the average of all the water vapor pressure values (DPI) calculated starting from the beginning of incubation or storage and up to a preset instant,
- using said value of the progressive average pressure differential (DPM) for a successive series of operations chosen among a second series which comprises:
- comparing continuously or at preset time intervals the calculated pressure difference values (DPM) with corresponding target pressure difference values (DPO) which are preset according to a predefined incubation plan,
- acting to increase the humidity inside the controlled environment (10) when the value of the progressive average pressure difference (DPM) is higher than the upper limit of a preset interval (ΔDP0) which contains the target value (DPO); acting to decrease the humidity inside the controlled environment (10) when instead the value of the progressive average pressure difference (DPM) is lower than the lower limit of said preset interval (ΔDPO); when the value of the progressive average pressure difference (DPM) is within said interval (ΔDPO), then no intervention occurs; or a third series of operations which comprises:
- calculating beforehand the conductance (C) of the shells of the eggs as a function of the average weight (WM) of the eggs (12) being incubated and of the total incubation period (DTT) required on average to hatch the eggs of a given species or race placed in incubation,
- calculating the percentage weight loss (DM) as a function of the variation of the value of the calculated progressive average pressure difference (DPM), of the conductance (C), and of the elapsed incubation period (DT), - comparing continuously or at preset intervals the calculated values of the percentage weight loss (DM) with corresponding target values of weight loss (DMO), preset according to a chosen incubation plan,
- acting to increase the humidity inside the controlled environment (10) when the calculated value of the percentage weight loss (DM) is higher than the upper limit of a preset interval (ΔDM0) which contains the target value (DMO); acting to decrease the humidity inside the controlled environment (10) when instead the calculated value of the percentage weight loss (DM) is lower than the lower limit of said preset interval (ΔDM0); when the calculated value of the percentage weight loss (DM) is within said interval (ΔDM0), then no intervention occurs.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the estimate of the average weight (WM) of the eggs can be performed by weighing manually or automatically one or more trays or one or more trolleys per batch and by determining the average weight of the batches.
3. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the estimate of the average weight (WM) of the eggs can be determined by using the weight measurements of the preceding weeks or of other incubation machines or the normal growth curves related to the eggs of the race being incubated.
4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the average weight estimate (WM) can be determined by using the growth tables prepared by the genetic selector.
5. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the function that ties the difference in water vapor pressure (DPI) between the inside and the outside of the shell of the eggs (12) and the temperature values (T) and the degree of humidity (G) detected in the closed environment ( 10) is DPI = [0.0006127 x (T3) + 0.0054035 x (T2) + 0.4955028 x T + 6.224] - {[0.0006127 x (U3) + 0.0054035 x (U2) + 0.4955028 x U + 6.224] -
[0.666 x (T-U)] } with T and U in degrees Celsius.
6. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the value of said conductance (C) as a function of the average weight (WM) and of the period of time (DT) of incubation provided on average for the race being considered, for example 21 days for chicken,
27.75 days for turkey, is obtained by means of the formula:
C = [(5.13 ± 0.86) x WM] / DT 7. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said function that ties the conductance (C) to the progressive average weight (WM) and to the incubation period (DT) is improved by means of constants which are linked to the race to which the eggs (12) being incubated belong.
8. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the value of said conductance (C) as a function of the progressive average weight (WM) and of the incubation time period (DT) is obtained by means of the following formula corrected with constants (Kl, K2, K3) which are linked to the race to which the eggs being incubated belong: C = { {4.27 + [ (WM-Kl) x K2 ] } x WM} / K3.
9. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said first constant Kl corresponds to the initial average weight of the eggs of a race, K2 is a constant of the species or race, and K3 corresponds to the total time required on average to obtain chicks from the eggs of a given species or race (DTT), for example in a turkey it corresponds to 27 days and 18 hours.
10. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the incubation of turkey eggs of the type known as "Big 6", the first constant Kl is 78, the second constant K2 is 0.035 and the third constant K3 is 27.75, this last value corresponding to the duration of the entire incubation cycle, with sixtieths related to the minutes converted into hundredths.
1 1. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the percentage weight loss (DM) is a function of the conductance (C), of the value of the difference in progressive average pressure (DPM), of the average weight of the egg (WM), and of the elapsed incubation period (DT), according to the formula: DM = ((C x DPM x DT)/1000)/WM where the elapsed incubation period (DT) is expressed in days and decimals of day.
PCT/EP2008/052243 2007-05-23 2008-02-25 Method for improving weight loss control of an egg in a controlled incubation or storage environment, particularly for eggs of galliforms WO2008141846A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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ITPD20070179 ITPD20070179A1 (en) 2007-05-23 2007-05-23 PROCEDURE TO IMPROVE THE WEIGHT LOSS OF AN EGG IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT OF INCUBATION OR STORAGE, AND IN PARTICULAR FOR GALLIFORMI EGGS
ITPD2007A000179 2007-05-23

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IT201700061099A1 (en) * 2017-06-05 2018-12-05 River Systems S R L System and method of humidity control in incubators for eggs, in particular of poultry species

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