Calcium deposition in chicken eggshells: role of host genetics and gut microbiota.

ABSTRACT: Eggshell is predominantly composed of calcium carbonate, making up about 95% of its composition. Eggshell quality is closely related to the amount of calcium deposition in the shell, which requires chickens to maintain a robust state of calcium metabolism. In this study, we introduced a novel parameter, Total Eggshell Weight (TESW), which measures the total weight of eggshells produced by chickens over a period of 10 consecutive d, providing valuable information on the intensity of calcium metabolism in chickens. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to explore the genetic determinants of eggshell calcification in a population of 570 Rhode Island Red laying hens at 90 wk of age. This study revealed a significant association between a specific SNP (rs14249431) and TESW. Additio

SUBMITTER: Jin J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11339253 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature