Effect of different mating methods on embryonic development of indigenous chicken eggs

The study determined the effect of different mating methods on embryonic development of indigenous chicken eggs. Ninety, 27 weeks old normal feathered indigenous chicken breeders comprising 72 hens and 18 cocks were allotted to three mating methods: pen mating (PM), alternate males (AM) and stud mating (SM). Each group, comprising 24 hens and 6 cocks, was replicated thrice. A total of 135 hatching eggs laid within 4 days across treatments and replicates were used to determine embryonic development. The eggs were accordingly picked, labelled and stored in an air-conditioned room (18ºC) before setting. At point of incubation, weight of each egg was determined. Yolk, albumen and embryonic weights were determined on days 1, 7, 10, 15 and 18. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance in a Completely Randomized Design. Mating methods had no significant (p>0.05) influence on embryonic weight throughout the incubation period. At day 7, eggs produced by hens in SM had significant (p