Poultry Judging Practice Test

Which of the following does not constitute hatchery waste?

1. Eggs

2. Egg Trays

3. Broken Shells

4. Fertilized Eggs

The correct answer is: Egg Trays

Egg trays are not considered hatchery waste because they are reusable equipment essential for the proper handling and transportation of eggs during incubation. Unlike broken shells or fertilized eggs, which are byproducts of the hatching process and typically disposed of, egg trays serve a functional purpose in the hatchery. They help maintain biosecurity, provide structure for egg placement, and can be sanitized and reused multiple times, thus directly contributing to the efficiency of the hatchery operation. In contrast, items such as broken shells and fertilized eggs either represent waste material or items that do not meet the criteria for hatching. The distinction is rooted in the difference between consumable or disposable products and those that facilitate the hatching process.