Chemical composition of the cuticle, and the inner and outer shell membranes from eggs of Gallus gallus

Wedral, E. Maesso; Vadehra, D. V.; Baker, R. C.

doi:10.1016/0305-0491(74)90011-x

Cited by 32 publications

(23 citation statements)

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“…Simons (1976) found small amounts of potassium, copper and zinc in the palisade layer of the eggshell. The presence of sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and copper was confirmed also in the shell membranes (Wedral et al 1974). The importance of minerals is reflected in changes of arrangement pattern of shell membrane fibres in relation to the structural composition of the eggshell, for example when using copper-and magnesium-deficient diets (Leach and Gross 1983).…”

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Blood Plasma Mineral Profile and Qualitative Indicators of the Eggshell in Laying Hens in Different Housing Systems

2009

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The aim of this study was to compare the blood plasma mineral profile (Ca, P, K, Mg, Zn, Cu and Se) and egg-shell quality (eggshell weight, eggshell breaking strength and thickness) of laying hens housed in three different housing systems (traditional cage system, enriched cage system and deep litter system). In each housing system, 12 ISA Brown laying hens were observed during the laying period from week 22 to 75 of age. The effect (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) of age and/or phase of the laying cycle on all mineral concentrations was determined. Eggshell breaking strength decreased (p < 0.001) with the age of birds. The results of this study indicate that the housing systems compared had no significant effect on the blood plasma mineral profile of laying hens under study and the values were within the physiological range. However, a significant effect of housing system on eggshell breaking strength and eggshell weight was found. Improved eggshell quality was obtained in most periods of the laying cycle in the enriched cage systems. Blood minerals, egg-shell quality, standard cage, enriched cage, deep litter floorPassage of the Council Directive 1999/74/EC has resulted in the replacement of traditional cages with enriched cages, litter technologies or aviaries to improve the welfare of laying hens. The shell quality remains one of the most important issues for the technology of further egg handling (Ledvinka et al. 2000). However, some authors pointed out that there are differences in eggshell quality and proportion of cracked eggs between different housing systems (Abrahamsson et al. 1995;Abrahamsson and Tauson 1997;Wall and Tauson 2002). Shell quality can be influenced by many factors including mineral nutrition. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are major inorganic constituents of avian eggshells (Cusack et al. 2003). Simons (1976) found small amounts of potassium, copper and zinc in the palisade layer of the eggshell. The presence of sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and copper was confirmed also in the shell membranes (Wedral et al. 1974). The importance of minerals is reflected in changes of arrangement pattern of shell membrane fibres in relation to the structural composition of the eggshell, for example when using copper-and magnesium-deficient diets (Leach and Gross 1983). Traces of magnesium, potassium, copper and zinc were also found in the egg cuticle. Plasma mineral concentrations during the laying period can be influenced by many factors; such as laying rate and energy requirements (Suchý et al. 2001), partial quantitative feed restriction (Sahin and Kucuk 2001), mineral supplements (Eren et al. 2004), ambient temperature (Siegel 1995;Donoghue et al. 1990;Ching 1992;Belay and Teeter 1993; Večerek et al. 2002), production type (Suchý et al. 2004), age of hens (Cerolini et al. 1990;Gyenis et al. 2006), stress (Beisel 1982Combs and Combs 1984; Tufft and Nockles 1991;Klasing 1998), exposure to heavy metals (Zralý et al. 2008), etc.With regard to differences in eggshell quality between different ho...

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Blood Plasma Mineral Profile and Qualitative Indicators of the Eggshell in Laying Hens in Different Housing Systems

2009

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“…Vaterite (Tullett et al, 1976) is a major component of the spheres on the eggshells of shags (order Pelecanidae) and two species of non-parasitic Correspondence to: R. G. Board, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, cuckoo, Crotophagi ani and Guira guira (Board & Perrott, 1979a) whereas amorphous calcium phosphate occurs in the covering layer on the eggshells of flamingoes (Board,198 l a ) and megapodes (Board, Perrott et al, 1982). A poorly characterized glycoprotein is the main component of the spheres on the outer surface of the eggshells of the domestic hen (Wedral et a/., 1974). The Afridan lily trotter (Microparra capensis) and tinamous provide exceptions (Board & Perrott, 19796) in that the outer orifice of the pores contains a loose fitting plug of amorphous material, probably organic in nature, but the shell is uncovered.…”

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confidence: 99%

The phosphate‐rich cover on the eggshells of grebes (Aves: Podicipitiformes)

et al. 1984

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Spheres of a nut‐like morphology–a “kernel” formed from spherules contained in a “shell” of globular sub‐units–were a unique feature of the cover on the eggshells of six species of the order Podicipitiformes: Red‐necked grebe (Podiceps grisegend), Great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), Little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), Black‐necked grebe (Podiceps nigrkollis), Slavonian grebe (Podiceps auritus) and Pied‐billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps). The spheres did not give a pattern with X‐ray diffraction; the innermost ones were embedded in the dense crystalline layer on the outer surface of the calcitic portion of the shell. Electron‐probe microanalysis revealed that the cover of spheres contained principally oxygen, calcium, phosphorus and sulphur and infra‐red analysis demonstrated the presence of phosphate. The outer surface of the stratum of spheres was bounded by a thin, fissured layer of amorphous material. These observations raise questions about the ionic environment obtaining in the shell gland towards the end of shell formation and the adaptive significance of the cover on the eggshells of members of the Podicipitiformes.

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“…The microscopic features and chemical composition of the cuticle and/or cover layers of eggshells show a considerable variation among different taxonomic groups or species. In the domestic fowl, the cuticle has a vesicular structure (Simons & Wierts 1966) and consists of protein, fat and polysaccharides (Tyler & Simkiss 1959;Wedral et al 1974). Such an organic cuticle was found in the eggshells of Guinea Fowl Numida meleagris, and the Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber (Tullet et al 1976).…”

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confidence: 99%

Microscopic structure and distribution of various elements in the eggshell of the Black-tailed Gull, Larus crassirostris, as revealed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray compositional microanalysis

Chibá

2004

Ornithol. Sci.

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The present paper describes the microscopic structure and distribution of various elements in the eggshell from the Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) in combination with light microscopy demonstrated four major zones in the eggshell: the shell membrane (SM), the mammillary zone (MZ), the palisade region (PR), and the cuticle layer (CL). The SM was composed of a further three layers: i.e. the limiting membrane and the inner and outer SMs consisting of thin fibers. The MZ was a layer lined with conical knobs, the mammillare, each of which had a core portion characterized by a dense matrix with a few vesicles and aggregated fine fibrils. The PR showed a spongy feature depicted as numerous vesicles embedded in a calcified matrix. The CL appeared as a simple structure different from that seen in the eggshells from other birds, such as grebes, cormorants and domestic fowl. X-ray compositional microanalysis (XCM) revealed differences in the distribution patterns of certain elements (Ca, Mg, and P) in the radial face of the eggshell. The concentration of Ca was markedly high throughout the true shell (MZ and PR), whereas that of Mg was locally high in the MZ. The concentration of P was slightly higher in the surface crystal layer of the PR than elsewhere.

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Chemical composition of the cuticle, and the inner and outer shell membranes from eggs of Gallus gallus

Cited by 32 publications

References 13 publications

Blood Plasma Mineral Profile and Qualitative Indicators of the Eggshell in Laying Hens in Different Housing Systems

Blood Plasma Mineral Profile and Qualitative Indicators of the Eggshell in Laying Hens in Different Housing Systems

The phosphate‐rich cover on the eggshells of grebes (Aves: Podicipitiformes)

Microscopic structure and distribution of various elements in the eggshell of the Black-tailed Gull, Larus crassirostris, as revealed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray compositional microanalysis

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