Content uploaded by Johan Buyse
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Johan Buyse on Feb 23, 2015
Content may be subject to copyright.
A preview of the PDF is not available
Importance of albumen during embryonic development in avian species, with emphasis on domestic chicken
World’s Poultry Science Journal
Abstract and Figures
Depending on the bird species, about 33-86% of the egg content consists of albumen. In domestic fowl, the albumen contains about 10.5% protein and 88.5% of water and may be regarded as the main water source for the developing embryo. Besides carbohydrates, lipids, and inorganic ions, over 90% of the solids in the albumen are proteins. Several factors are known to influence the amount and composition of the albumen: egg weight, age and genetics of the parent flock, amount and quality of the feed provided, environmental factors (e.g. temperature, light), position in laying sequence, and also storage conditions of eggs prior to incubation. The albumen content of an egg plays an important role during embryonic development. Not only for formation of sub embryonic fluid, but albumen proteins are known to flow into the amniotic cavity, the yolk sac and finally the digestive tract of the embryo and are used as the main source of proteins for tissue synthesis. Partial removal of albumen had negative consequences on chick weight at hatch, reduced the amount of amnion and allantois and may reduce the water content of the chick and the residual yolk. Replacing the removed albumen with saline, however, also reduced the residual yolk weight without differences in water content, suggesting increased uptake and utilization of yolk, possibly as a compensation for the removed albumen proteins. In addition to reduced chick weight at hatch, some authors report an asymmetric growth restriction where nutrients are diverted away from nonvital organs in favor of brain and heart, with a relative ‘sparing’ of these latter two organs. Importantly, partial albumen removal led to a reduced whole-body protein synthesis, similar to eggs containing naturally less albumen. Importantly, several studies reported some long-term effects of albumen removal on growth, indicating that prenatal environment will have life-long consequences.
Figures - uploaded by Johan Buyse
Author content
All figure content in this area was uploaded by Johan Buyse
Content may be subject to copyright.
... The higher content of plasmalogens in egg yolk may be due to the different roles of egg yolk and egg white during the embryonic development process of hen eggs. Egg white is considered to be a reservoir of water and proteins, and it provides protection to the developing embryo against microorganisms by directly killing bacteria or creating an environment unfavorable for bacterial growth [20]. On the other hand, egg yolk is considered the primary nutrient source for embryonic growth, and the development of chicken embryos depends on the essential amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and minerals stored in the yolk [20]. ...
... Egg white is considered to be a reservoir of water and proteins, and it provides protection to the developing embryo against microorganisms by directly killing bacteria or creating an environment unfavorable for bacterial growth [20]. On the other hand, egg yolk is considered the primary nutrient source for embryonic growth, and the development of chicken embryos depends on the essential amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and minerals stored in the yolk [20]. Ether lipids, such as plasmalogens, have also been reported to be critical factors in cell differentiation [21]. ...
(1) Background: Plasmalogens are vinyl ether-type glycerophospholipids that are characteristically distributed in neural tissues and are significantly reduced in the brains of individuals with dementia compared to those in healthy subjects, suggesting a link between plasmalogen deficiency and cognitive decline. Hen eggs are expected to be a potential source of dietary plasmalogens, but the details remain unclear. (2) Methods: We evaluated the fresh weight, dry weight, total lipid, neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids in the egg yolk and egg white of hen egg. Then, the molecular species of plasmalogens were quantified using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. (3) Results: In egg yolk, the total plasmalogen content was 1292.1 µg/100 g fresh weight and predominantly ethanolamine plasmalogens (PE-Pls), specifically 18:0/22:6-PE-Pls, which made up 75.6 wt% of the total plasmalogen. In egg white, the plasmalogen content was 31.4 µg/100 g fresh weight and predominantly PE-Pls, specifically 18:0/20:4-PE-Pls, which made up 49.6 wt% of the total plasmalogen. (4) Conclusions: Plasmalogens were found to be more enriched in egg yolk than in egg white. It was found that humans are likely to ingest almost 0.3 mg of total plasmalogens from one hen egg. These findings highlight the importance of plasmalogens in the daily diet, and it is recommended to explore the impact of long-term dietary plasmalogen intake to assess its effect on human health. This provides a viewpoint for the development of new food products.
... Female quails fed the SANNIMIX diet had a higher total hatching rate, produced eggs with higher weight, and produced progeny with higher weight at hatch. In oviparous species, the embryo develops independently in the egg, and all nutrients needed for such development are deposited in the egg during its formation (Willems et al., 2014). As the nutrients needed for embryo development derive from the maternal organism, it is crucial that nutrients be adequately used and metabolically transformed by breeders for efficient embryo development and chick viability at hatching (Vieira, 2007). ...
... Albumen serves mainly as a natural defense for yolk, in both table and fertile eggs, because of its structural arrangement and composition (Obianwuna et al., 2022a). Albumen is also the main source of protein for tissue synthesis during incubation (Willems et al., 2014). When laying hens are at the peak of ovulation and laying, they become more susceptible to oxidative stress because of the higher generation of oxidative species and reduced capacity to eliminate them (Zou et al., 2007). ...
The maternal diet and egg incubation temperature are some of the factors that can influence the embryonic development and performance of the newly chicks at 15 d of age. This study evaluated the effects of adding a blend of organic acids, essential oils, curcumin, tannins, vitamin E, and zinc microencapsulated in to the diet of female quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) on their productive, reproductive performance and redox parameters of their eggs and the interaction of maternal diet × incubation temperature on embryo (E16 and E18) and chicks development. At 98 d of age, 64 female quails with a mean body weight of 150 g ± 0.5 were distributed into two treatments: a Basal diet or a diet supplemented with blend (Sannimix). The eggs from each female were incubated at 37.5°C (Control) and 38.5°C (High Temperature) throughout the incubation period. After hatching, chicks were distributed in a 2 (maternal diet) × 2 (incubation temperature) factorial design. Female quails supplemented with Sannimix showed better productive and reproductive performance and produced higher-quality embryos. Their offspring had greater weight at hatch and at 15 d of age. The eggs and offspring of supplemented with Sannimix female quails showed better oxidative stability. At E16 and E18, High Temperature increased yolk sac utilization and gene expression of the growth hormone receptor (GHR). At E16, embryos from supplemented with Sannimix female quail had higher expression of insulin-like growth factor type I (IGFI) and heat shock protein 70 kDa genes. At 15 d of age, highest expression of the GHR and IGFI genes was observed in chicks from female quails fed the Sannimix diet, regardless of incubation temperature. Regarding the maternal diet × incubation temperature an improved result was observed for chicks from female quails fed with Sannimix even when eggs are exposed to High Temperature during the incubation. The supplementation of quail diets with blend Sannimix improves productive and reproductive performance, egg quality and their embryos, as well as their offspring quality.
... Additionally, Chemerin has been shown to cross from albumin to extra embryonic membranes. Its presence in albumin and amniotic membranes on the seventh day of incubation decreases by day 11 and remains low until day 14, when egg whites move to the amniotic membrane [36]. These findings indicate that Chemerin's response to retinoic acid is critical for its role in albumin and membranes, contributing significantly to the growth, protection, and vascular formation of embryos [37]. ...
This review examines the complementary relationship between Chemerin and retinoic acid and their effects on embryonic development and growth performance in chickens. It explains the role of Chemerin in terms of its discovery and history, highlighting its chemical structure, biological properties, and association with the regulation of inflammatory processes and metabolism. In contrast, retinoic acid is reviewed for its biological importance and crucial role in regulating embryonic growth and development through its influence on gene expression and cell differentiation. The review discusses the chemical and functional relationship between these two compounds, noting how retinoic acid affects the regulation of Chemerin gene expression, which, in turn, impacts vital processes associated with growth and development. Studies indicate that Chemerin acts as a crucial element in promoting healthy embryonic genetic development in chickens, as it is linked to improved performance, including increased weight and enhanced nutritional efficiency. The mechanisms of gene expression for Chemerin and retinoic acid are reviewed, along with their effects on protein and adipose tissue formation, which contribute to improved nutritional performance and growth efficiency. This interaction reflects an integrative relationship that could be leveraged to enhance productivity in the poultry industry. The conclusions suggest that the interaction between Chemerin and retinoic acid represents a significant complementary relationship for improving embryonic development and performance in chickens, providing a framework for a deeper understanding of biological mechanisms. More research is needed to apply these findings to chicken feeding strategies, with a focus on potential benefits in improving productivity and quality on a large scale.
... While these studies established values for shell and egg content quality traits based on fresh eggs, they do not address whether a relationship exists between gene polymorphism and egg quality traits during storage, nor how such polymorphism affects the rate of quality changes. Given that albumen constitutes the largest portion of the egg content (Willems et al., 2014), undergoes the most significant changes during storage and embryonic development, and serves as one of the protein sources for the developing embryo, we focused on specific egg white proteins to evaluate the impact of gene and protein polymorphisms in Japanese quail on hatchability and egg quality during storage. In our previous studies, we analyzed the influence of polymorphisms in the lysozyme and ovomucoid genes on the quality of Japanese quail eggs during storage, demonstrating their significant effects on certain traits (Knaga et al., 2024a;2024b). ...
The aim of the study was to identify polymorphisms in the ovalbumin gene - SERPINB14 gene and evaluate their effect on hatchability traits and egg quality changes during storage in two strains of Japanese quails: meat-type (F33) and laying-type (S22). To individually determine hatchability traits for each female, eggs were collected and incubated. To determine egg quality traits, 10 eggs were collected from each female and stored for 14 weeks. Egg quality was analyzed 10 times during storage. All exons and the 3′UTR of the SERPINB14 gene were sequenced. A total of 17 SNPs were identified in both strains: 4 in exons, 5 in the 3′UTR, and 8 in intron regions. Association analysis showed significant effects of SNP14 and SNP16 on the percentage of late died embryos. Fresh egg weight in F33 females was influenced by eight SNPs: SNP6, SNP7, SNP9, SNP11, SNP14, SNP15, SNP16, and SNP17, with significant diplotype effects observed. Individuals with H3H3 and H7H7 diplotypes showed the highest egg weight. SNPs 6, 7, and 11 influenced eggshell thickness on the laying day and at 2, 4, and 14 weeks of storage. The effects of haplotypes on this trait were also observed. Significant SNP effects were also found on albumen weight and albumen percentage at different storage times. Moreover, diplotypes from block 1 influenced albumen traits during storage. These studies provide new information on the SERPINB14 gene polymorphism in Japanese quail, and some of the markers merit further validation as useful tools for selection to improve hatchability and egg quality in poultry breeding programs.
... However, recent studies have shown that egg proteins cover a wide and largely unexplored functional range 32,33 ; many of them could potentially mediate maternal effects. Although protein resources available during embryonic development clearly determine post-hatching development and phenotype 34 , the concentrations of most egg proteins and how these concentrations vary among eggs remains unknown. ...
Maternal investment directly shapes early developmental conditions and therefore has long-term fitness consequences for the offspring. In oviparous species prenatal maternal investment is fixed at the time of laying. To ensure the best survival chances for most of their offspring, females must equip their eggs with the resources required to perform well under various circumstances, yet the actual mechanisms remain unknown. Here we describe the blue tit egg albumen and yolk proteomes and evaluate their potential to mediate maternal effects. We show that variation in egg composition (proteins, lipids, carotenoids) primarily depends on laying order and female age. Egg proteomic profiles are mainly driven by laying order, and investment in the egg proteome is functionally biased among eggs. Our results suggest that maternal effects on egg composition result from both passive and active (partly compensatory) mechanisms, and that variation in egg composition creates diverse biochemical environments for embryonic development.
... Apart from differences in their hormonal composition, we showed that eggs of F1 S females contained less albumen than those of F1 NS females and that eggs of F2 S females contained more yolk than those of F2 NS females. Albumen and yolk provide a source of essential nutrients for embryonic growth and tissue synthesis [94,95]. Previous studies showed that variations in the amount of those constituents influence offspring's morphological development [96,97] and behaviour [98]. ...
Prenatal maternal stress (PMS) is known to shape the phenotype of the first generation offspring (F1) but according to some studies, it could also shape the phenotype of the offspring of the following generations. We previously showed in the Japanese quail that PMS increased the emotional reactivity of F1 offspring in relation to (i) a variation in the levels of some histone post-translational modification (H3K27me3) in their brains and (ii) a modulation of the hormonal composition of the eggs from which they hatched. Here, we wondered whether PMS could also influence the behaviour of the second (F2) and third (F3) generation offspring due to the persistence of the specific marks we identified. Using a principal component analysis, we found that PMS influenced F2 and F3 quail profiles with subtle differences between generations. It increased F2 neophobia, F3 fearfulness and F3 neophobia but only in females. Interestingly, we did not find any variations in the level of histone post-translational modification in F3 brains and we observed inconsistent modulations of androstenedione levels in F1 and F2 eggs. Although they may vary over generations, our results demonstrate that PMS can have phenotypical effects into the third generation.
... However, recent studies have shown that egg proteins cover a wide and largely unexplored functional range 32,33 ; many of them could potentially mediate maternal effects. Although protein resources available during embryonic development clearly determine post-hatching development and phenotype 34 , the concentrations of most egg proteins and how these concentrations vary among eggs remains unknown. ...
Maternal investment directly shapes early developmental conditions and therefore has longterm fitness consequences for the offspring. In oviparous species prenatal maternal investment is fixed at the time of laying. To ensure the best survival chances for most of their offspring, females must equip their eggs with the resources required to perform well under various circumstances, yet the actual mechanisms remain unknown. Here we describe the blue tit egg albumen and yolk proteomes and evaluate their potential to mediate maternal effects. We show that variation in egg composition (proteins, lipids, carotenoids) primarily depends on laying order and female age. Egg proteomic profiles are mainly driven by laying order, and investment in the egg proteome is functionally biased among eggs. Our results suggest that maternal effects on egg composition result from both passive and active (partly compensatory) mechanisms, and that variation in egg composition creates diverse biochemical environments for embryonic development.
To examine various medications and substances, in vivo models such as rats and mice are routinely used. However, it is utterly desirable to reduce extensive amounts of animals for these experimental models, which are costly and time‐consuming. Animals are frequently put through a variety of procedures that could cause them pain, distress, or even harm; therefore, it is important to think about the ethical ramifications of using them in research. Thus, by following the three R's of animal research: reduction, replacement, and refinement, living animals used in studies should be minimized. The embryo of Gallus gallus, the domestic chicken, is a great model to research many different diseases and conditions. Its efficient blood supply from the chorioallantoic membrane gives us a unique possibility to administer chemicals or cells to the embryo in a noninvasive manner. In this review, we evaluate some advantages and disadvantages of using the developing chicken as an alternative in vivo model for development, disease, and pharmacological treatment. We focus on the top two leading causes of death: neurological disorders and cancer. We present a number of studies that describe the use of the chicken embryo in neuroscience and neurodevelopment research, in cancer research, and pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies. These studies show that the chicken embryo is an inexpensive, readily available, self‐sufficient model with a short incubation period, high accessibility, and ideal for drug screening, making it an appealing model that can provide insightful biological and pharmacological information.
Context
There are pre-hatch factors that can influence performance during the growing phase, such as the egg size and breeder age.
Aims
Investigate the influence of egg weight and flock age separately on egg characteristics, hatching traits, hatchling weight, and initial offspring performance.
Methods
Treatments consisted of eggs laid by 28-week-old (Y), 42-week-old (M), or 61-week-old (O) broiler breeder hens and different egg-weight classes, light (L, 56.6–62.2 g), average (A, 62.3–67.9 g), or heavy (H, 68–73.6 g). Eggs of a similar weight from hens of different ages (treatments YA/ML, YH/MA/OL, and MA/OA) were selected, which allowed us to assess specifically the effect of maternal flock age on the following variables: egg characteristics (eggshell, yolk, and albumen), incubation traits (egg weight loss (EWL), and hatchability), hatchling weight, and live performance of the progeny (7, 14 and 21 days). When data satisfied homogeneity of variance, they were submitted to the one-way ANOVA, and means were compared by Tukey’s test at 5% probability level.
Key results
Eggshell thickness and albumen height were lower, but albumen weight, yolk weight, and percentage of yolk were higher in eggs produced by older flocks. When eggs of the same weight were evaluated, the variables were also affected by flock ages. EWL increased with the hen age. The age of the hen and egg weight significantly affect the hatchability and hatchling weight. The maximum hatchability was recorded in eggs from broiler breeders at the age of 42 weeks (90.53%). In the average egg-size group (62.3–67.9 g), the young hens produced the lightest chick, and the old flock had the worst hatchability. Broiler’s performance was influenced both by flock age and egg weight.
Conclusions
The eggshell thickness is mainly influenced by the egg size. However, other egg features are affected by flock age. EWL and chick weight are reduced in young flocks. The oldest flocks produced heavier chicks and the positive effect on feed intake and bodyweight remained until 14 days of age.
Implications
Egg size and broiler breeder age can influence the egg traits and performance of broilers.
The impact of fluid flow shear stresses, generated by the movement of blood through vasculature, on the organization and maturation of vessels is widely recognized. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether...
This is the first re-appraisal in 50 years of concepts of development made in birds. This book is a case study in evolutionary diversification of life histories. Although birds have a rather uniform body plan and physiology, they exhibit marked variation in development type, parental care, and rate of growth. Altricial birds are fully dependent on their parents for warmth and nutrition and begin posthatching life in a more or less embryonic condition. At the other extreme, such superprecocial species as the megapodes are independent of all parental care from hatching, and the neonate, able to fly, resembles an adult bird. This book thus attempts to present an integrative perspective of organism biology, ecology, and evolution.
This book reviews comprehensively incubation effects on embryonic development in birds and reptiles and presents the first ever synthesis of data from these two vertebrate classes. The book is in three parts. The first deals with the structure, shape and function of eggs. The second examines the effects of the four main parameters on the process of incubation: temperature, water relations, respiratory gas exchange, and turning. The third section deals with early embryonic development and the methods used to investigate and manipulate the embryo. Further chapters deal with aestivation, megapodes and oviparity. International experts in each field have contributed to this extensively referenced volume and it will be of great interest not only to research biologists, but also to bird and reptile breeders, whether in commercial organisations or in zoos.
This book reviews comprehensively incubation effects on embryonic development in birds and reptiles and presents the first ever synthesis of data from these two vertebrate classes. The book is in three parts. The first deals with the structure, shape and function of eggs. The second examines the effects of the four main parameters on the process of incubation: temperature, water relations, respiratory gas exchange, and turning. The third section deals with early embryonic development and the methods used to investigate and manipulate the embryo. Further chapters deal with aestivation, megapodes and oviparity. International experts in each field have contributed to this extensively referenced volume and it will be of great interest not only to research biologists, but also to bird and reptile breeders, whether in commercial organisations or in zoos.
Variation in egg mass is a characteristic feature among birds and varies both between and within species. It has been suggested that, in altricial birds that hatch their eggs asynchronously, two tactics regarding intra-clutch variation in egg mass could have evolved. Which of these two strategies is used depends on factors important for nestling survival - availability of food and nest predation. If when laying eggs parents can predict availability of food during nestling rearing, and if low food supplies are predicted, they should adopt a 'brood reduction strategy'; that is, invest less in the last eggs laid to minimize any wasted energy if all young cannot be raised. In contrast, if prospects are good for raising all young, parents should instead adopt a 'brood survival strategy'; that is, invest relatively more in the last eggs laid, as the chances of raising the last chicks to be hatched are better during good years. However, if nest predation is more important for nestling survival than food availability, and parents begin incubating before clutch completion to reduce nest predation (on eggs), then parents should also use a 'brood survival strategy'. I studied variation in egg mass in a population of Pied Flycatchers and found that there was a significant increase in egg mass with laying order. In an experiment in which last eggs to be laid were swapped between nests to increase or reduce the egg mass of the last egg laid, there was a positive effect of egg size on hatching mass and on nestling growth rate during the early nestling phase. Thus, nestlings hatching asynchronously and 'originating' from an experimentally larger egg, were compensated in their later hatching by a higher elevation of the slope of the growth curve compared with their siblings during the first part of the nestling phase. I also found that egg mass was positively correlated with wet yolk and wet albumen, as well as with energy content of the yolk and total energy content of the egg. Thus, Pied Flycatchers appear to use a 'brood survival strategy'; that is, they lay a large last egg, which contains more nutrients, to compensate for the late hatching of the last egg. It has also been shown for this species that, in a population breeding in natural holes, predation during the egg stage is the most important mortality factor.