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Incubator EnvironmentA. Temperature Temperature is the most critical factor in the hatchability of eggs. In forced-draft machines, the temperature should be between 99 and 100f (37 and 38C) with a mean setting of 99.5f (37.5C). In still-air machines, the temperature taken at the top of the egg should be about 102f (39C); care should be taken that the temperature does not exceed 103f (40C). The lowest temperature (or physiological zero) for the egg development has been determined to be about 68f (20C); the highest temperature is about 109f (43C).B. Humidity Requirements Humidity is important because it controls the evaporation of water from the egg and maintains the proper physiochemical equilibrium among the various egg constituents. High humidity seals the pores of the egg shell and prevents proper exchange of gasses and can lead to asphyxiation of the embryo. Low humidity permits excessive evaporation of the egg contents and retards development of the embryo. The normal relative humidity for the incubation of pheasant, partridge, and quail eggs is about 46 percent. In a constant forced-air machine, pheasant and partridge eggs develope best if exposed to a wet-bulb reading of 82f (28C) during incubation and a temperature of about 90f (32C) in the hatcher. Quail generally require a higher humidity at the beginning of incubation, 86f (30C) wet bulb and about 90f (32C) wet bulb in the hatcher (Table 6-2). Refer to figure 6-3 for converting wet-bulb readings (degrees Fahrenheit) to relative humidity (percent).Fig 6-2Fig 6-3