Age-related changes in eggshell physical properties, ultrastructure, calcium metabolism-related serum indices, and gene expression in eggshell gland during eggshell formation in commercial laying ducks.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the changes in eggshell mechanical properties, ultrastructure, calcium metabolism-related serum indices, and gene expression in eggshell gland during eggshell formation between laying ducks in the peak (young duck) and late phase (aged duck) of production. A total of 84 healthy young (31 wk of age) and 84 healthy aged (65 wk of age) Longyan laying ducks were each divided into 6 replicates of 14 birds, and caged individually. All the ducks were fed in one house with the same corn-soybean meal-based diet for 5 wk. The eggshell mechanical properties (shell proportion, thickness, breaking strength, and fracture toughness) and chemical components (matrix proteins, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium) decreased in aged laying ducks (P < 0.05). Shell structural indices: total

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8637142 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature