Abstract
When eggs were disinfected by dipping for 14 min in sodium hypochlorite solution at 32°C before incubation, subsequent sterilization of the shells on the 19th day of incubation with mercuric chloride significantly reduced hatchability below that obtained when eggs were not so treated. Sterilization with peracetic acid did not significantly affect hatchability whether the eggs were decontaminated or not. The substitution of water for sodium hypochlorite solution did not alter the effect of the sterilizing agents on hatchability.