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Updated: May 12, 2026
06:32
Isolation of Preadipocytes from Broiler Chick Embryos
Published on: August 4, 2022
High environmental temperature increases glucose requirement in the developing chicken embryo.
Roos Molenaar1, Joost J G C van den Borne, Ewoud Hazejager
1HatchTech B.V., Veenendaal, The Netherlands. mail@roosmolenaar.com
Plos One
|April 6, 2013
Summary
High eggshell temperature (EST) in broiler chickens increases glucose oxidation and reduces hepatic glycogen. This metabolic shift may negatively impact hatching success and overall body development.
Area of Science:
- Animal Physiology
- Developmental Biology
- Metabolic Regulation
Background:
- Perinatal environmental conditions significantly influence metabolic and developmental trajectories in avian species.
- Understanding the impact of incubation temperature on glucose metabolism is crucial for optimizing broiler chicken development and survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of elevated eggshell temperature (EST) on glucose metabolism and related physiological parameters in broiler chicken embryos.
- To determine how changes in EST influence glucose oxidation, glycogen storage, and overall embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- Broiler eggs were incubated under high (38.9°C) or normal (37.8°C) EST from day 10.5.
- A bolus of [U-(13)C]glucose was administered at day 17.5, with subsequent analysis of (13)C enrichment in metabolic pools.
- Measurements included glucose oxidation rates, (13)CO2 recovery, plasma lactate, hepatic glycogen, yolk-free body mass, and plasma uric acid.
Main Results:
- Higher EST significantly increased glucose oxidation and (13)C enrichment in plasma lactate and hepatic glycogen.
- Elevated EST led to decreased yolk-free body mass and hepatic glycogen concentration.
- Plasma uric acid concentration was higher in embryos exposed to high EST.
Conclusions:
- Increased EST during the perinatal period accelerates glucose oxidation and depletes hepatic glycogen reserves in broiler embryos.
- These metabolic alterations may compromise glucose availability for hatching and negatively affect post-hatch development.
- The findings suggest a need to carefully manage incubation temperatures to support optimal embryonic development and broiler performance.
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