The source of turkey eggs used for the studies described in this
guide were Wrolstad Medium White Turkeys maintained at the Oregon
State University Turkey Research facility. Males and females were
reared together until 20 weeks of age then housed in separate
locations to prevent any contact. Hens were photo-stimulated at 32
weeks of age. Eggs were collected three times each day and stored
between 10 and 13 C, with 80 to 85% RH until incubation. Eggs were
set in Bionomics ® Single-stage horizontal, transferless
incubation units (Savage et al.,
1991).
Macroscopic examinations of the eggs were conducted on day 2, 4, 6,
8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 21 of incubation. The surface of the yolk was
examined by removing the contents from the shell. The inside surfaces
of the shell were also examined for the presence of blood or an
embryo. Only the presence of a blood ring or an embryo could be
detected by light candling. Photographic images were recorded between
days 4 and 21 of incubation.
Eggs in which parthenogenetic development were observed and
subsequently assigned to one of the following categories:
or