Measuring of the embryo temperature is an important tool in guiding the incubation process. Embryo temperature reflects the internal temperature of the egg, and with it, the temperature at which the embryo is actually experiencing.
The temperature inside the egg (embryo temperature) is the result of a balance between heat production by the embryo and heat loss from the shell.
There are two main ways to measure embryo temperature
- by measuring of the actual temperature of the embryo by inserting a thermometer in the egg
- by measuring the temperature of the shell, on the thickest point of the egg
Although the term embryo temperature is actually not correct (egg shell temperature is more correct), this method is often used as embryo temperature control. It reflects rather accurate the temperature inside the egg, as the content of the egg passes its energy within the shell in an even distibution.
The temperature of the shell can be measured by contact thermometers, but more practical and quick is the use of an infra-red ear thermometer, as used for humans. Simply place the tip of the thermometer on the shell, at the thickest point, and record the temperature.
When embryo temperatures are taken, some points must be taken into consideration.
- Make sure that the thermometer is warm enough, at least above 27oC, to prevent condensation which leads to fault readings.
- If eggs are infertile or contain a dead embryo, the embryo temperature will be slightly below air temperature. Leave these eggs out of the determination of the average.
- When measuring, leave air flow and temperature in the machines as undisturbed as possible, as changes will rapidly influence the embryo temperature.
- The hot spots in the machine are on the places with low air velocity and no water spray, normally in the middle of the trolley, away from the ventilators
- The cold spots in the machine are on the places with high air velocity and close to the water sprayers, normally at the bottom of the machine.