Optimum CO₂ and O₂ Concentration in Incubator

Correct Answer: 0.5% & 21%

The optimal gas concentrations in a chicken egg incubator are:

• O₂: 21% — same as normal atmospheric oxygen. For every 1% fall below 21%, hatchability drops by 5%. For every 1% rise above 21%, hatchability rises by 5%.
• CO₂: 0.5% — the safe threshold. For every 1% rise in CO₂ beyond 0.5%, embryonic mortality rises. If CO₂ exceeds 5% for a prolonged period, all embryos die and hatchability reaches 0%.

CO₂ Levels and Impact

• 0.5% → Optimum
• >0.5% → Increasing embryonic mortality
• >5% prolonged → All embryos dead (hatchability = 0%)