Podcast
Questions and Answers
What role do chalazae play in the egg?
What role do chalazae play in the egg?
What primarily generates the various layers of albumen as the egg develops?
What primarily generates the various layers of albumen as the egg develops?
What happens to thick white post-laying?
What happens to thick white post-laying?
How long does the egg remain in the isthmus?
How long does the egg remain in the isthmus?
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What is the role of the mucin in the dense white of the egg?
What is the role of the mucin in the dense white of the egg?
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What indicates the age or freshness of an egg after laying?
What indicates the age or freshness of an egg after laying?
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What are the shell membranes made of?
What are the shell membranes made of?
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What happens to the thin white as the egg develops?
What happens to the thin white as the egg develops?
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What forms at the large end of the egg when the two membranes separate?
What forms at the large end of the egg when the two membranes separate?
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How does the size of the air cell change as the egg ages?
How does the size of the air cell change as the egg ages?
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What is the function of the cuticle on the eggshell?
What is the function of the cuticle on the eggshell?
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What effect do high surrounding temperatures and low humidity have on eggs?
What effect do high surrounding temperatures and low humidity have on eggs?
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What happens to the cuticle after the egg is laid?
What happens to the cuticle after the egg is laid?
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Which pigment is responsible for the brown color in eggshells?
Which pigment is responsible for the brown color in eggshells?
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What is the primary role of the vagina in the egg-laying process?
What is the primary role of the vagina in the egg-laying process?
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What is the typical orientation of the egg when it is expelled from the hen?
What is the typical orientation of the egg when it is expelled from the hen?
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What can affect the effectiveness of the cuticle?
What can affect the effectiveness of the cuticle?
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How long can an egg be held in the vagina during egg production?
How long can an egg be held in the vagina during egg production?
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Flashcards
Egg Formation
Egg Formation
The process of creating a chicken egg, involving several stages in the oviduct.
Chalazae
Chalazae
Twisted strands that center the yolk inside the egg.
Egg Albumen Layers
Egg Albumen Layers
The egg white, composed of thick and thin white, with varying water content and mucin.
Dense White
Dense White
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Isthmus
Isthmus
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Shell Membranes
Shell Membranes
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Egg Quality Deterioration
Egg Quality Deterioration
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Egg Freshness
Egg Freshness
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Air Cell Formation
Air Cell Formation
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Air Cell Function
Air Cell Function
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Egg Cuticle
Egg Cuticle
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Cuticle Function
Cuticle Function
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Egg Shell Pigment
Egg Shell Pigment
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Egg Shell Cuticle Damage
Egg Shell Cuticle Damage
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Egg Oviposition
Egg Oviposition
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Vagina Function
Vagina Function
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Egg Storage Conditions
Egg Storage Conditions
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Study Notes
Egg Formation in the Oviduct
- Egg formation involves several stages within the oviduct
- The process begins in the infundibulum
- The yolk, ovulated by the ovary, is captured by the infundibulum ( funnel-shaped part of the oviduct)
- Fertilization ( if it occurs) takes place here.
- The ovum, now called an egg, transitions to the magnum
Magnum
- Albumen (egg white): One type of albumen is initially produced in the magnum.
- Layers of albumen: Water addition and egg rotation lead to different layers of albumen (e.g., liquid inner white, dense white)
- Dense white (albumen): Makes up the majority of the albumen; mucin holds it together.
- Thick vs. Thin White: Thick white is initially more abundant in the magnum, but water addition and mucin breakdown in the oviduct result in a higher proportion of thin white when the egg is laid.
- Egg quality changes: After laying, thick white loses viscosity, volume decreases, while thin white becomes more watery and increases. This change is affected by temperature, humidity, age, and illness.
Isthmus
- The isthmus: A relatively short section (10 cm) of the oviduct.
- Inner and outer shell membranes: In the isthmus, the final egg shape of the shell membranes is formed, starting with the inner membrane.
- Outer shell membrane: Three times thicker than the inner membrane.
- Air cell formation: Inner and outer membranes separate at the large end forming the air cell
- Air cell Purpose: The air cell gradually increases in size as moisture evaporates through the shell pores as the egg ages.
Shell Gland/Uterus
- Shell Formation: The egg shell is formed in the shell gland/uterus.
- Shell Color: Color is determined genetically.
- Shell Pigment: Porphyrin is the brown pigment in eggshells
- Cuticle: A protective layer on the outside of the shell, made mainly of organic material.
- Cuticle's Role: Lubricates laying, seals pores after laying to inhibit moisture loss and bacterial entry.
- Cuticle damage: Washing and sanding eggs damages the cuticle.
- Solution: Mineral oil applied to the shell surface helps slow moisture loss after processing for better quality.
Vagina
- Vagina role: The final section of the oviduct, approximately 12 cm long, expels the egg.
- Egg Positioning: Usually laid large end first. Rotation before laying aids in this.
- Disturbances effect: If the hen experiences disturbance, the egg can be laid small end first.
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Description
Explore the intricate process of egg formation within the oviduct, starting from the infundibulum to the magnum. Learn how fertilization occurs, the development of albumen layers, and changes in egg quality after laying. This quiz covers the essential stages of avian reproduction.