Effect of long-term storage on the hatchability of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) eggs

The effect of 0-, 7-, 14-, 21-, 28-, and 35-d storage periods on hatchability and weight loss during storage and incubation of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) eggs stored at 15 C and 80% RH was studied. There was a significant effect of storage period on egg weight loss during storage (P < 0.001), a significant increase occurring in weight loss for each additional week the eggs were stored, and this weight loss amounted to more than 3% for the eggs stored for 35 d. Storage period affected egg weight loss during incubation (P < 0.05). An increase in egg weight loss during incubation occurred, increasing from 21 d of storage and amounting to more than 10% for the eggs stored for 35 d. Storage period had a significant effect on hatchability (P < 0.05). Storage of red-legged partridge eggs up to 28 d does not affect subsequent hatchability, but a significant decline in hatchability occurs when the eggs are stored for 35 d. This research confirms, as occurs in other Alectoris species, that long-term storage of red-legged partridge eggs (to 28 d) does not have a negative effect on hatchability. These findings will be useful in terms of successful hatchery management, mainly by allowing prolonged storage of eggs while gathering a sufficient-sized batch to be incubated, and shipment of long shelf life hatching eggs at game farms while losing little hatchability until further incubation.