Poultry Judging Practice Test

The correct answer identifies three key factors that influence the total incubation time of eggs: incubation temperature, age of the egg, and size of the egg.

Incubation temperature is critical because it affects the metabolic rate of the developing embryo. A temperature that is too low can lead to prolonged incubation periods as the embryo develops more slowly, whereas a temperature that is too high can accelerate development and potentially lead to complications.

The age of the egg also plays a significant role; older eggs may have reduced viability or altered physiological characteristics that can affect the duration of the incubation period. Fresh eggs typically have more consistent development rates compared to older ones.

Egg size can influence the total incubation time because larger eggs have more yolk and nutrients, which may affect the time it takes for the developing embryo to consume these resources fully. The shell thickness and surface area to volume ratio can also play a part, impacting how heat and moisture are exchanged during incubation.

Together, these three factors provide a comprehensive understanding of how incubation time is affected and help poultry producers optimize their hatching outcomes.