Keltetés

Keltetés is the Hungarian word for incubation, the process of developing an egg into a new organism, typically a bird or reptile, through artificial means. This process mimics the conditions a mother animal would provide, primarily maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity.

Artificial incubation is widely used in poultry farming for the mass production of chicks, ducklings, and other fowl. It allows for greater control over the hatching process, increasing efficiency and yield. Incubators, ranging from small household models to large commercial units, are designed to provide the necessary environment. These machines typically feature a heating element, a thermostat to regulate temperature, and often a mechanism for humidity control, such as a water pan. Some advanced incubators also include automatic egg turners, which are crucial for preventing the embryo from sticking to the shell and ensuring even development.

The optimal temperature and humidity levels vary depending on the species being incubated. For chicken eggs, a consistent temperature of around 37.5 degrees Celsius (99.5 degrees Fahrenheit) and a relative humidity of 50-60% are generally recommended. During the final few days before hatching, humidity is often increased to aid the chick in breaking out of the shell.

Keltetés is also a significant practice in reptile breeding, where precise temperature control is vital for sex determination in some species, such as turtles and crocodiles. In this context, incubators are carefully calibrated to specific temperature ranges that trigger the development of male or female offspring. The success of keltetés relies on maintaining these critical environmental factors throughout the incubation period until hatching.