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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Mechanical Separation and Protein Solubilization of the Outer and Inner Perivitelline Sublayers from Hen's Eggs

Mechanical Separation and Protein Solubilization of the Outer and Inner Perivitelline Sublayers from Hen's Eggs

Published on: January 27, 2021

Ultrastructural changes in eggshell during incubation: mechanisms and implications.

Gamal Rayan¹, Moataz Fathi²

¹Department of Animal and Fish Production, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia.

Poultry Science

|December 26, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Avian eggshells undergo crucial ultrastructural changes during incubation, involving demineralization and reorganization. These adaptations balance protection and permeability, optimizing calcium mobilization for embryo development and ensuring successful hatching.

Keywords:

Chick quality Chorioallantoic membrane Eggshell microstructure Eggshell strength Genotype Hatchability

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Last Updated: Jan 7, 2026

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Area of Science:

Biomineralization
Developmental Biology
Materials Science

Background:

Avian eggshells are vital bioceramic structures for embryo survival, offering protection and controlled permeability.
Eggshell integrity is essential for successful incubation, gas exchange, and nutrient transfer.
The chorioallantoic membrane plays a key role in regulating eggshell changes during incubation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the ultrastructural transformations of avian eggshells during incubation.
To understand the physiological mechanisms driving eggshell demineralization and reorganization.
To elucidate the implications of these changes for embryonic development, hatchability, and chick quality.

Main Methods:

Analysis of eggshell ultrastructure and composition at various incubation stages.
Investigation of the role of the chorioallantoic membrane in mediating shell changes.
Assessment of calcium mobilization and its impact on embryonic skeletal formation.

Main Results:

Incubation causes progressive eggshell demineralization and microstructural reorganization, particularly in the mammillary layer.
These changes lead to a decline in shell thickness, hardness, and mineral content.
Demineralization facilitates calcium transfer to the embryo for skeletal development, enhancing hatchability.

Conclusions:

Avian eggshell transformation during incubation is a highly regulated adaptive process.
Changes optimize the balance between mechanical protection and permeability for successful embryonic development.
Understanding these dynamic shell alterations is critical for improving hatchability and post-hatch chick viability.