Shell Quality And Ultrastructural Characteristics Of Eggshell In The 15th Generation Of Chickens Selected For Egg Production Traits.

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the effect of selection on eggshell ultra structure in Alexandria chicken. The observed changes were studied to understand the role of selection in eggshell strength. There was a significant difference for egg and eggshell weights between lines. Concerning shell breaking strength, selection improved the shell breaking strength (29.30 vs. 31.71 N). Indeed, toughness (380.9 vs. 411.9), stiffness (133.9 vs. 138.8) and elasticity (15592.3 vs. 15609.5) were improved in line selected compared control line. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated that there was a significant increase in total, palisade and caps thickness in eggshell from the selected line compared to the control line. Confluence was significantly increased in the selected line than the control references, with better attachment between cone and shell membranes in the selection line. It can be concluded that the ultra structure of eggshell measurements and/or the associated genetic markers may therefore prove to be useful in selection programs to improve eggshell quality.