Eddy Van Lierde, global head of incubation services at Aviagen, outlined best practices for incubating today’s embryos amid declining hatchability. He noted that poor fertility in late-stage poultry production is the primary contributor; and while the embryo itself hasn’t changed, the environment around it has -- older equipment, fewer staff and limited data tracking. Van Lierde encouraged hatcheries to embrace automation, artificial intelligence and data-driven systems to enhance efficiency, reduce errors and unlock the full genetic potential of broiler lines.

In his presentation on Improving Hatchability from Transfer to Pull, Joshua Deines, technical service device lead at Zoetis, identified transfer cracks -- caused during candling, vaccination and egg movement -- as a major risk to chick quality. He stressed the need for consistent equipment maintenance, staff training and accurate assessment methods to reduce egg damage. He also highlighted the importance of clean, crack-free baskets and proper monitoring of temperature and hatch conditions.

Ben Green, director of hatcheries and transportation at Cobb-Vantress, offered guidance on chick holding and transportation. He detailed various vaccination techniques and stressed the importance of proper airflow and fan placement to dry chicks efficiently and maintain comfort. Green also covered the use of temperature loggers, sensor placement and preventative maintenance for transport vehicles.

The 2025 Hatchery-Breeder Clinic made clear that managing today’s hatchery and breeder challenges requires a return to fundamentals, paired with an openness to innovation. From refining nutrition and reproductive management to adopting smarter technology, experts emphasized that success hinges on precision, consistency and commitment to continuous improvement.

Source: US Poultry & Egg Association