[Concentration and distribution of fluorine in hen's eggs as an aspect of selected biological parameters]

The actual paper presents the method and results of studies concerning the content and decomposition of fluorine compounds in the component structures of eggs and in the bone system of a domestic hen, as well as its progeny under conditions of increased content of these compounds in the drinking water. The objective of the paper has been: 1) determining the effect of environmental contamination (NaF in drinking water) exerted on the presence of fluorine in eggs, 2) defining the distribution of fluorine in component structures of the egg, 3) studying the fluorine effect on selected physical parameters of eggs, 4) determination of fluorine content in tibial bones of laying hens, after receiving NaF in drinking water, and to compare the tibial bone composition in hens and their progeny with control groups, 5) analyzing the share of fluorine compounds in the construction of skeleton and beaks of chicks. The conceptions of the work were elaborated on the basis of results stemming from an accomplished experimental breeding of domestic hens in a semi-intensive system. The experiment proceeded 4 weeks. A part of eggs obtained by breeding was designed for hatching. Due to the requirements associated with analyzing the skeleton, all the experimental birds, including the chicks, were assigned for further analyses. The material, obtained in this way, (bones of hens, chicks, eggs) was subsequently subjected to detailed studies. According to the conceptions of the paper the selected physical parameters of eggs were studied, therein resistance tests, using specialized apparatuses. Fluoride was determined potentiometrically, by applying fluoride ion selective electrode, while the metallic elements by aid of atomic spectrophotometer (Tab. 1-5, Fig. 1). Finally, the following conclusions were presented, namely: 1. The egg shell in hens plays an essential role in binding fluorine compounds and constitutes one of the means of their fast elimination from the organism. 2. Egg shells may provide an easily accessible bioindicator for the exposure of birds to fluorine compound, particularly with regard to a given species. 3. Moderately increased fluorine content in the shells of eggs fails to influence their thickness and does not cause any changes in their resistance to decay. 4. In conditions of increased exposure of hens to fluorine compounds, no elevation in the accumulation of this element was disclosed in the substance, which is evidence that there is a lack of apparent influence of local contamination by emissions of fluorine compounds exerted on nutritional usefulness of eggs. 5. Comparison of fluorine content in the bones of chicks, stemming from hens being given water with NaF to drink, with control hens points to a significant rise in fluoride accumulation in progeny of hens, exposed to sodium fluoride action. That may have a negative influence on their correct development.