Thank you. One of the most common mistakes I see globally in hatchery management is underestimating the impact of ventilation and climate control inside the setter and hatcher rooms. Many issues that are thought to be embryo-related or machine-related actually trace back to maintenance shortcomings, ventilation and infrastructure problems, and general management issues.

Another key issue is the lack of data-driven decision-making. Hatcheries often collect large volumes of data but don’t fully analyze it to identify performance trends or detect early warning signs.

Finally, there’s not enough focus on chick quality after hatch. Some hatcheries still rely on outdated methods or fail to track post-hatch performance, which leads to missed opportunities for improvement.

Could you list the top 5 keys to pay attention to in hatchery management?

Absolutely. From my experience, the five most critical success factors are:

Egg quality and storage conditions – Good hatching starts on the farm. A hatching egg is essentially a semi-processed product. Poor handling or extended storage has a major impact on results.

Eggshell temperature control – This must be carefully monitored and adjusted to match embryo development, not just based on fixed machine settings. It should be tailored to the specific egg set characteristics.

Airflow and ventilation – Often underestimated, yet crucial for maintaining uniform conditions, supporting biosecurity, and ensuring optimal embryo metabolism throughout incubation.

Chick handling and transfer processes – Gentle and efficient procedures reduce stress and improve chick quality, which directly affects broiler performance.

Staff training and attention to detail – Even the best equipment can't deliver good results without skilled people. Ongoing training is one of the best investments a hatchery can make to ensure consistency and high performance.

How would you evaluate the 7th International Poultry Meat Congress?

It’s been a fantastic event so far. The congress has brought together leading professionals from across the Turkish poultry industry and beyond. I’ve had the opportunity to reconnect with key figures from integration companies and suppliers.

There’s also strong representation from equipment and vaccine companies. We’ve had valuable discussions about how I can support their customers with consultancy, seminars, and training programs, especially in Turkey, Europe, and the Middle East as Poultry Advisors.

The quality of the presentations and discussions has been excellent. This congress clearly highlights how dynamic and innovative the poultry sector is in this region. I’m truly glad to be part of it.

We thank Tolga Erkuş for sharing his deep expertise and practical recommendations, which are invaluable to hatchery professionals aiming to elevate their operations. His observations underscore the importance of technical precision, data-driven strategies, and continuous improvement in poultry production. It was a pleasure to have this insightful conversation during such a prominent industry event.

To reach Tolga Erkuş >>> tolga@poultryadvisors.com