Hatchability remains major industry challenge

The U.S. in recent years has seen some of the worst hatchability numbers since the late 1980s. The U.S. Department of Agriculture in January 2024 reported average hatchability at 79.6%. There are many factors in play, in the barn and the hatchery, that can impact hatchability. Some blame poor fertility and embryo mortality, while others consider more management-related issues. Regardless, the cause of this phenomenon is unclear.Until a firm cause is discovered and addressed, what can producers do to support hatchability and better ensure those chicks make it onto dinner plates? Joining Feedstuffs in Focus host Sarah Muirhead is NOVUS executive manager and poultry technology lead Hugo Romero-Sanchez, a poultry expert with a comprehensive understanding of the physiological, nutritional, environmental, and economic variables that affect broiler and layer performance. Dr. Romero presented a TECHTalk on the topic of hatchability during the 2024 International Production and Processing Expo this week. To learn how NOVUS is using intelligent nutrition to help poultry producers do more, visit www.novusint.com