Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 February 1919 — FOR POULTRY GROWERS [ARTICLE]

FOR POULTRY GROWERS

The farmers of the United States lose each year large sums because of improper methods of producing and handling eggs. One-third of this loss Is easily preventable,. It is due to-tha-.. partial ‘ hatching of fertile eggs, according to the United States department of agriculture. The eggs laid by a hen may be either fertile or Infertile, depending on ; whether or not the male bird has been allowed to run aim lire feiiwder’ A fertile egg is one in which the germ has been fertilized by the male bird. Except for this process of fertilization the male bird has no influence upon the eggs which the hens lay. Egg production is Equally great in flocks from which roosters are excluded. A fertile egg does not keep as well as an Infertile one because the fertilized germ responds more readily to high temperatures than the unfertilized one. It is Impossible to hatch an Infertile egg or to cause a blood ring to form in one. Such eggs are much. - more likely to reach the table in good condition and there is less spoilage in shipments,, composed entirely of them than in "mixed shipments of fertile and infertile eggs. Heat is the great enemy of eggs, both fertile and infertile. Poultry growers are urged to follow these simple rules, which cost nothing but time and thought, and will add dollars to the poultry-yard returns: 1. Keep the nests clean; provide one nest for every four hens. 2. Gather the eggs- twice daily. ' 3. Keep the eggs in a cool, dry room, or cellar. 4. Market the eggs at least twice a week. 5. Sell, kill or confine all male birds as soon as the hatching season ia over. - ..