Incubation Temperature-Driven Changes in Gallus gallus Eggshell Calcium Composition and Mechanical Integrity
Type of Presentation
Poster Session
Location
University Library
Start Date
4-9-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-9-2026 3:15 PM
Abstract
Eggshell quality in chickens is shaped by structural, chemical, and environmental factors, yet the combined effects of temperature on calcium composition and mechanical strength remain largely unstudied. This experiment examined how moderate temperature variation influences eggshell calcium content and strength, and whether these traits covary across treatments. Eggshells were exposed to three temperature conditions (4°C, 37°C, 40°C), analyzed for calcium composition using EDS, imaged with SEM, and tested for mechanical strength using a modified crushing apparatus. ANOVAs showed no statistically significant differences in mean percent mass change (p=0.295), calcium content (p=0.084), or mechanical strength (p=0.099) across temperature treatments, although graphs revealed visible reductions at 40°C for both calcium and strength. MANOVA, however, detected significant multivariate effects of temperature on calcium (p=0.024) and strength (p=0.008). Post hoc tests identified the 40°C treatment as distinct from the 4°C and 37°C groups for both variables. These results indicate that while calcium and strength do not differ significantly when assessed independently, their joint response to temperature is significant, with the elevated temperature producing concurrent reductions in calcium composition and mechanical integrity. This suggests that moderate thermal exposure alters the relationship between calcium content and shell strength, highlighting the importance of evaluating eggshell traits collectively when assessing eggshell quality and its influence on embryonic development as well as post hatch eggshell usage.
Faculty / Staff Sponsor
Dr. Melissa Plakke
Incubation Temperature-Driven Changes in Gallus gallus Eggshell Calcium Composition and Mechanical Integrity
University Library
Eggshell quality in chickens is shaped by structural, chemical, and environmental factors, yet the combined effects of temperature on calcium composition and mechanical strength remain largely unstudied. This experiment examined how moderate temperature variation influences eggshell calcium content and strength, and whether these traits covary across treatments. Eggshells were exposed to three temperature conditions (4°C, 37°C, 40°C), analyzed for calcium composition using EDS, imaged with SEM, and tested for mechanical strength using a modified crushing apparatus. ANOVAs showed no statistically significant differences in mean percent mass change (p=0.295), calcium content (p=0.084), or mechanical strength (p=0.099) across temperature treatments, although graphs revealed visible reductions at 40°C for both calcium and strength. MANOVA, however, detected significant multivariate effects of temperature on calcium (p=0.024) and strength (p=0.008). Post hoc tests identified the 40°C treatment as distinct from the 4°C and 37°C groups for both variables. These results indicate that while calcium and strength do not differ significantly when assessed independently, their joint response to temperature is significant, with the elevated temperature producing concurrent reductions in calcium composition and mechanical integrity. This suggests that moderate thermal exposure alters the relationship between calcium content and shell strength, highlighting the importance of evaluating eggshell traits collectively when assessing eggshell quality and its influence on embryonic development as well as post hatch eggshell usage.