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Eggs in nature are certainly subjected to a cycle of warming and cooling coupled with
ventilation as the parent bird leaves the nest to feed and defend territory, etc.
The Contaq incubator should be viewed as replacing the natural Bird and Nest
combination. The pressurised ‘skin’ mimics the functions of an incubating parent;
providing warmth by contact with the tops of eggs, but also the facility to lift from the
eggs periodically and in doing so, causes a substantial influx of fresh air in the manner
of a bird standing or leaving the nest.
The egg chamber substitutes for the ‘nest’ in providing a safe, protected environment
for the eggs, with provision for air to be induced through the nest material which
enables the operator to exercise control over the degree of ventilation of eggs. Nests
of different species have very different characteristics, particularly with respect to gas
permeability. This in turn affects water loss from eggs, so it is necessary to adjust the
amount of nest material accordingly. Where required, additional humidity is
introduced to the egg chamber automatically. The ideal combination of nest material
and humidity setting is best determined by weighing eggs and monitoring water loss.
The Contaq egg chamber also provides sophisticated provision for automatic turning
of eggs of different sizes. Egg turning coincides with lifting of the skin and enables
programmable fixed or random turns.
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Summary of Contents for CONTAQ Z6
Page 1: ...1 Operating Instructions ...
Page 27: ...27 ...
