It is critical to poultry farmers, breeders, anyone interested in learning about the phenomenon of natural egg production and more specifically the egg deleup process. This concerns several phases which range from ovulation to hatching of a chick. Looking at these stages you get to know how an egg is produced and what type of environments are likely to enhance or alter the quality of eggs.
What is designed as the Egg Deleup Process?
Deleup process means a process starting from the formation of an egg in the hen’s ovary right up to the time it lays that egg. It is rather an interesting journeying for about 24-26 hours cumulative depending on the specific species. It is therefore very important to have clear understanding of this process to be able to have the best quality eggs that on incubation we get healthy chicks.
Stages of Egg Development
Ovum development is a co-ordinated procedure. Let’s break it down:
1. Ovulation: The Starting Point
It starts from ovulation; the hen’s body discharges an egg yolk (oocyte) from the ovary. This usually occurs at an interval of approximately 24–26 h in an un-compromised hen. It is further controlled by some hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) which triggers the release of yolk from the ovary for further processing.
2. Formation of the Egg Yolk (Vitellogenesis)
In simple terms, once the yolk leaves the ovary it starts through a process known as vitellogenesis. This process should take about 10-12 hours. Its outer covering in the form of proteins and lipids surrounded by water is the core structure of an egg known as yolk. Certainly, the yellow tinge of yolk is attributed to, pigments such as carotenoids that the hen ingests through feed.
3. Coagulation of Egg white (albumin)
Once a yolk is shaped, this structure migrates into the oviduct and the clear portion (albumen) begins to develop. This process occurs in any of the magnum sections of the oviduct and lasts about 3 hours. Albumin is made up of around 50% of water, proteins that the yolk floats in and such protein acts as food to the embryo forming in the egg.
4. Shell Formation: A Protective Layer
The last and least understood of the stages of egg formation is the creation of the shell of the resulting egg. This process held for about 20 hours in the uterus also known as the shell gland. One of the compounds is extracellular calcium carbonate that is laid down to form the outer shell that shields a young chick in development. For the formation of this structure the calcium is extracted from the consumed diet by the hen. Calcium is therefore important so as to produce strong and hard shells for the turtles.
5. Egg Laying: The Culmination
Once the shell has been formed completely then the egg is ready to be laid. Egg production is usually completed by the hen at morning so that development of the egg is in full cycle. It is then ready to be collected, incubated or eaten depending on the producers requirements or specification.
Influence of Certain Factors on Egg Deleup Process
There are many causes for the formation of the eggs, it can be due to diet, environment or anything in between.
Dietary Impact on Egg Quality
As it concerns the quality of egg, it is imperative that the hen feeds on proper diet. Protein, calcium and nutrient intake is essential causes of egg formation thus the need to have a balanced diet. For instance, lack of sufficient calcium will lead to formation of soft or weak shells and exposes the eggs to vice of breaking.
Environmental Factors: Temperature and Light
This is an indication that environment influences the production of eggs in hens. Lighting, temperature and proper humidity temporally control the period of ovulation. When chickens are stressed by overcrowding or inability to control the temperature then they can experience a drop in laying or might produce bad eggs such as double yolk or soft shelled eggs.
Health and Genetics
A hen also has inherent factors that refer to the rate of egg production and quality of the egg as well. Generally healthy hens lay more uniform eggs while genetic issues cause low egg productivity or development of odd shaped eggs. This is important in an effort to be convinced that the hens are not having ailments that may impair their capacity to produce high quality eggs.
The Hatching Process: From Egg to Chick
When the egg has been laid, then the hatching starts, guess if the egg is fertilized. It normally takes approximately three weeks or twenty one days for the chick to develop through a stage known as incubation. Ideally, the chick requires proper management of temperature and humidity so as to lead to the hatching of the chick. Whenever the conditions are right, the chick will hatch from the egg and complete the process as it is.
Conclusion: The Wonders of Egg Deleup
Egg deleup process is one of the most complex biological systems shown to man master in the creation of life. Right from ovulation through to the egg laying process, up to hatching, each of these stages is very crucial in order to produce healthy eggs and healthy chicks. That is why such an approach to the understanding of this process can help farmers and breeders increase their possibilities for the production of eggs and to create the optimal conditions for their poultry. For existing and developing poultry farming, it can often be useful to remember that diet, environment, and genetics determine the productivity of a flock.
