• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.162-168
• /
• 2010

This study attempted to clarify the difference in eggshell pigmentation between blue-shelled ducks (BSD) and whiteshelled ducks (WSD). The eggshell pigmentation deposition process is discussed. Ultraviolet spectro-photometer and HPLC were used to determine the biliverdin concentration in the shell gland, uterus liquid and eggshell at 6, 12, 18, 20, 23.5 h post-oviposition. The biliverdin concentration in the eggshell and uterus fluid showed significant differences between BSD and WSD, but not in the shell gland. The heme oxygenase activity in the shell gland of both kinds of ducks remained mostly constant during the ovulatory cycle with no variation. The assay of exogenous biliverdin injection into the shell gland antrum in the WSD indicated that exogenous biliverdin could be deposited continuously into the eggshell until the source was exhausted. A layer-by-layer dissolution assay was used to examine the eggshell pigment deposition process. The biliverdin concentration in the first to sixth layers of the eggshell in the BSD was significantly higher than that in the white-shelled counterpart. The blue pigment concentration increased persistently from the 6th layer to the $1^{st}$ layer. The BSD eggshells did not accumulate a large quantity of biliverdin in the most external layer. They tended to increase the deposition layer by layer. Our results demonstrated that different BSD and WSD eggshell colors were influenced by the amount of biliverdin in the uterus fluid and not determined by the amount of biliverdin in the shell gland. This implies the existence of a mechanism that controls biliverdin transportation from the shell gland into the uterus fluid, thereby playing a key role in regulating duck eggshell color.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.26 no.5
• /
• pp.609-624
• /
• 2013

The objective of this study was to get a comprehensive understanding of how genes in chicken shell gland modulate eggshell strength at the early stage of active calcification. Four 32-week old of purebred Xianju hens with consistent high or low shell breakage strength were grouped into two pairs. Using Affymetrix Chicken Array, a whole-transcriptome analysis was performed on hen's shell gland at 9 h post oviposition. Gene ontology enrichment analysis for differentially expressed (DE) transcripts was performed using the web-based GOEAST, and the validation of DE-transcripts was tested by qRT-PCR. 1,195 DE-transcripts, corresponding to 941 unique genes were identified in hens with strong eggshell compared to weak shell hens. According to gene ontology annotations, there are 77 DE-transcripts encoding ion transporters and secreted extracellular matrix proteins, and at least 26 DE-transcripts related to carbohydrate metabolism or post-translation glycosylation modification; furthermore, there are 88 signaling DE-transcripts. GO term enrichment analysis suggests that some DE-transcripts mediate reproductive hormones or neurotransmitters to affect eggshell quality through a complex suite of biophysical processes. These results reveal some candidate genes involved with eggshell strength at the early stage of active calcification which may facilitate our understanding of regulating mechanisms of eggshell quality.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.290-296
• /
• 2003

Tsaiya ducks and Leghorn hens are the two major laying birds raised in Taiwan. They are all excellent egg layers. Tsaiya ducks are small in body size (1.3 kg) with bigger egg weight (65 g) and stronger eggshell breaking strength than eggs from hens. The eggshell consists mainly of calcium carbonate, hence calcium plays an important role in the eggshell formation. Magnesium is also present in eggshell in small amounts, which may have effect on maintaining eggshell quality. In comparison studies, it was shown that the duck eggshells contained higher calcium and lower magnesium content than chicken eggshells. The eggshell magnesium content was not affected by the dietary magnesium levels (690-2380 ppm) in ducks, but in hens, it increased linearly with dietary magnesium levels. The palisade layer ($5000{\times}$) of the eggshell was found to have a compact form for ducks while there are many hallow vesicles in chicken eggshells. The eggshell magnesium deposition model is different for ducks and hens with ducks having a one-peak and hens having a two-peak model. The calcium deposition model is similar for both birds. Both the carbonic anhydrase specific activity and total activity in the shell gland mucosa of ducks are higher than those in hens. Ducks retain higher magnesium and lower calcium in the shell gland mucosa and secret less magnesium and more calcium into the shell gland lumen for eggshell deposition. The ATPase specific activity is maintained fairly constant during the eggshell forming stage, indicating continuous calcium transport into the shell gland lumen for eggshell formation. The magnesium content in duck eggshells is much lower than that in hens indicating that the magnesium content in the eggshell may have an effect on eggshell quality.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.27-33
• /
• 2001

The Ovarian developmental phases of the reproductive cycle of Rapana venosa can be classified into five successive stages by histological study: early active stage (September to February), late active stage (December to April), ripe stage (March to July), partially spawned stage (May to August), and recovery stage (June to September). To understand the characteristics of nutrient storage and utilization in the digestive gland cells with ovarian developmental phases, we examined the digestive gland - which is the major nutrient supply organ associated with ovarian development of the female purple shell - by biochemical methods. Total protein contents in the digestive gland tissues increased in March (late active stage) and reached the maximum in May (ripe and partially spawned stages), and then their levels sharply decreased in July (partially spawned and recovery stages). Total lipid contents in the digestive gland tissues reached the maximum in January (early active stage). Thereafter, their levels rapidly decreased from May (ripe and partially spawned stages) and reached a minimum in July (partially spawned and recovery stages). The total DNA contents did not significantly change regardless of the different developmental stages of the ovary. However, it was also found from biochemical analysis that changes in total RNA content follow the same seasonal cycling to protein. These results indicate that the digestive gland is an important energy storage and supply organ in purple shells, and that the nutrient contents of the digestive gland change in response to gonadal energy needs.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.35-42
• /
• 2011

In order to understand effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) on shell repair of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, shell regeneration experiments were carried out using oysters drilled a hole on the right valve. The change of pH and hemocytic characteristics in both extrapallial fluid and hemolymph were observed during the shell repair. The thickness of mantle tissue was apparently decreased, while necrosis in epithelium and periostracal gland was increased in response to PAH exposure. Our finding suggested that PAH could adversely influence on shell repair.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.45-50
• /
• 1960

Some enzymatic properties of Cynthia roretzi v. (Drasche Korean : U-Rung-Shei) was studied by author and obtained the following results; 1. The optimum pH of the digestive gland amylase was 6.8-7.0 2. Activity of metallic ion on the amylase showed the following order; 10$^{-3}$ M M $n^{++}$>10$^{-3}$ M $Co^{++}$>10$^{-4}$ M $Mg^{++}$>10$^{-4}$ M $Ca^{++}$>10$^{-2}$ M Z $n^{++}$>10$^{-2}$ M P $b^{++}$ 3. The digestive gland enzyme inactivated at 70.deg. C. 4. When the enzyme concentration increase 2 times, the enzymatic activity also increase, but not propertionally. 5. The digestine gland amylase showed remarkably higher enzymatic activity than the intestinal amylase. 6. The digestive gland amylase from the ascidian showed remarkably higher enzymatic activity than the heptancreatic amylase from shell fish (Turbo (Batillus) Cornutus Solander).nder).nder).

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Fisheries Technology Conference
• /
• 1997.06a
• /
• pp.167.1-168
• /
• 1997

• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.51-55
• /
• 1960

Some enzymatic properties of Cynthia roretzi V. Drasche (Korean:U-Rung-Shei) was studied by author and obtained the following results; 1. The optimum pH of the digestive gland proteinase ws 7.4-7.6 2. Activity of metallic ion on the Proteinase showed following order; 10$^{-3}$ M. M $n^{++}$>1-$^{-3}$ M. $Co^{++}$>10$^{-4}$ M. $Mg^{++}$\ulcorner10$^{-2}$ M.S $r^{++}$. Inhibition of metallic ion on the Proteinase showed following order: 10$^{-3}$ M. A $g^{+}$>10$^{-3}$ M. c $d^{++}$>10$^{-3}$ M. P $b^{++}$>10$^{-3}$ M. Z $n^{++}$ 3. The digestive gland enzyme inactivated at 70.deg. C, but no influence at 50.deg. C. 4. When the enzyme concentration increase 2 times, and 3 times, the enzymatic activity also increase, but not proportionally 5. The digestive gland Proteinase showed remarkably higher enzymatic activity than the intestinal Proteinase. 6. The digestive gland amylase brom the ascidion showed remarkably higher enzymatic activity than the heptaponcreatic amylase from shell fish (Turbo (Batillus) Cornutus Solander).).er).).).er).).

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.115-132
• /
• 2000

Eggshell strength and eggshell pigmentation are described in this paper since these are needed for quality egg production. A strong eggshell is determined by the components of the shell (cuticle, true shell and membranes) as well as the proper function of the gastrointestinal tract, the shell gland, the Kidneys and the endocrine system. When the puller reaches sexual maturity, the medullary bone must be ready for the laying hen at the peak egg shell formation. The amount of calcium in the layer diet, sources of calcium feed, the ratio of calcium and phosphorus in the layer diet, adequate levels of vitamin D and the dietary mineral (electrolyte) balance in the body fluid are important factors along with the levels of other nutrients. Biological, environmental and managerial factors such as the age of laying flock, temperature and humidity of the hen house, bird strain, disease, egg collection through transportation and others and influence the shell breakage at various stages of movement of the eggs from the producer to the consumer. The pigments present in eggshells are protoporphyrin-Ⅸ, biliverdin-Ⅸ and its zinc chelate and occasional traces of coproporphyrin-Ⅲ. However, there are several causes of changes in eggshell pigmentation such as the age of hen, disease, drugs and surface defects due to abnormal post-cuticular deposits.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.75-79
• /
• 2003

Oral supplementation of zinc chloride to silkworm larvae in different concentrations (30, 60 and 90 ${\mu}g$/ml) to the fourth and fifth instar resulted in a significant increase in commercial traits, like larval weight, silk gland weight, cocooning percentage in lower concentrartion (30 ${\mu}g$) treated group. The female cocoon weight, shell weight and its ratio were significantly increased in 30 and 60 ${\mu}g$ treated groups, male cocoon weight, and shell weight in 30 ${\mu}g$ treated group and its ratio in 60 and 90 ${\mu}g$ treated groups, filament length, weight and moth emergence percentage in all the treated groups and egg productivity in 90 ${\mu}g$ treated group were increased significantly. The remaining groups did not show any significant changes compared with that of carrier control.