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The effect of indomethacin on eggshell quality
1Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907.
Poultry Science
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, delayed egg laying in hens. This delay improved eggshell thickness in hens that typically lay soft-shelled or shell-less eggs.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Prostaglandins play a role in avian oviposition.
- Indomethacin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.
- Eggshell quality is a significant concern in poultry production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of indomethacin on eggshell quality in hens laying soft-shelled (SS), shell-less (SL), or hard-shelled (HS) eggs.
- To determine if indomethacin can improve eggshell quality by altering oviposition timing.
Main Methods:
- Hens were injected with indomethacin or a control (oil).
- Injections were administered at 4 hours or 16 hours post-egg entrance into the uterus.
- Eggshell thickness and oviposition time were measured.
Main Results:
- Indomethacin delayed oviposition in both HS and SS/SL egg layers, with a more pronounced delay at 16 hours post-entrance.
- Indomethacin significantly increased shell thickness in the SS/SL groups but not in the HS group.
- Egg weight remained unaffected by indomethacin treatment.
Conclusions:
- Indomethacin effectively delays oviposition, preventing premature expulsion of SS/SL eggs.
- The delay in oviposition induced by indomethacin leads to improved eggshell thickness in susceptible hens.
- Indomethacin shows potential for improving eggshell quality in poultry with high incidences of defective eggs.