Candling

CDC microbiologist demonstrating how to candle an embryonated chicken egg.f

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CDC PHIL 10147 – candling, non-fertile egg

CDC PHIL 10148 – candling, fertilized egg, non-viable

CDC PHIL 10149 – fertilized egg, 11 days old

Pehr Hilleström-Äggprovet

Candling is a practice that involves the application of a light source to an egg to observe its contents. This method is primarily used to assess the quality and development of the embryo inside bird eggs, particularly in the poultry industry. Candling allows for the examination of the egg's air cell, yolk, and white, providing valuable information about the egg's viability and the health of the developing embryo. The technique is named "candling" because, historically, candles were used as the light source. Today, more sophisticated and safer light sources are used, but the name has persisted.

History

The practice of candling dates back to a time before electricity when a candle was the primary source of light for this purpose. It was a simple yet effective method for farmers and poultry keepers to check the quality of eggs, whether for consumption or incubation purposes. Over the years, as technology advanced, the process of candling evolved, incorporating electric lights that offer a brighter and more consistent light source. This evolution has made candling a more efficient and reliable method of assessing egg quality.

Procedure

Candling is performed in a dark room to maximize the visibility of the egg's contents. The egg is held against the light source, and the light penetrates the shell, illuminating the interior. By rotating the egg and observing the light passing through it, various characteristics can be assessed:

• The size and movement of the air cell, which increases as the egg ages
• The clarity and consistency of the egg white (albumen)
• The visibility and position of the yolk
• Signs of blood spotting or embryo development in fertilized eggs

This information can help in determining the egg's age, quality, and in the case of fertilized eggs, the viability of the embryo.

Applications

Candling is used in several contexts:

• In the poultry industry, to ensure the quality and safety of eggs for consumption
• By hatcheries and breeders, to monitor the development of embryos and to remove non-viable eggs from incubators, which can reduce the risk of contamination
• By conservationists working with endangered bird species, to monitor the development of embryos in eggs laid in captivity or in the wild

Benefits and Limitations

Candling offers a non-invasive way to check the condition and development of eggs. However, it requires experience and skill to interpret the observations accurately. The effectiveness of candling can vary depending on the eggshell's color and thickness, with darker or more opaque shells being more challenging to candle.

Conclusion

Candling remains an essential tool in egg quality control and embryo development monitoring. Despite its simplicity, it is a skill that requires practice and knowledge to perform effectively. As technology advances, candling techniques may continue to evolve, but the basic principles and the importance of this method in egg assessment will likely remain unchanged.