The aim of this study was to assess the influence of age of breeder hens and storage periods on number of cracked eggs during transportation on different types of roads. The study was conducted in a poultry farm located in Mogi-Mirim, State of São Paulo, Brazil, through tracking of three loads in different seasons of the year (spring, summer and autumn). An environmentally controlled truck was used, with total capacity of 592 egg boxes. Vibration levels (m s-2) and shocks during asphalt and land track were registered by accelerometers (n = 4). The number of cracked eggs was obtained through visual accounting of 18 egg boxes, which showed three breeder ages and three storage periods. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted, with a 3 x 3 factorial design. It is concluded that old and intermediate broiler breeders showed a higher number of cracked eggs. The higher vibration levels and load shocks were observed towards horizontally. The asphalt road offered harsh conditions for egg transportation.
poultry production; environment control; egg truck; pre-hatching operations
