The effects of exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field on the hatchability of domestic chicken embryos (Gallus gallus domesticus)

From the second half of the 20th century there has been a rapid increase in electromagnetic radiation (EMR), generated in part by mobile phone networks. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of an electromagnetic field (EMF) with a frequency of 900 MHz on the hatchability of chicken embryos. The experimental groups were exposed to the electromagnetic field during the entire incubation period, for 10x4 minutes per day or 1x40 minutes per day. The results obtained indicate that an electromagnetic field with a frequency of 900 MHz, irrespective of the duration of a single exposure, significantly accelerates the process of pipping and hatching. In the experimental groups subjected to electromagnetic radiation the time between pipping and hatching was reduced. No influence of the 900 MHz EMF was observed on the hatching rate, number of developmental defects in the embryos, body weight, or the number of culled chicks.