Proteomic changes in extracellular vesicle and uterine fluid proteins correlated with eggshell quality in aged laying hens.

ABSTRACT: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in uterine fluid (UF) are thought to regulate eggshell calcification, yet their composition and functions remain unclear. This study compared EVs and EV-deleted UF (UF^EV-) between high and low eggshell breaking strength groups to explore their contributions to eggshell calcification and quality decline in aged hens. The results show that the low strength group exhibited significant decreases across multiple parameters, including eggshell breaking strength, eggshell percentage (eggshell weight/egg weight), thickness, and fracture toughness, compared to the high breaking strength group (P < 0.05). Additionally, eggshells with low breaking strength also displayed increased type B mammillae, along with reduced effective layer ratio and decreased early fu

SUBMITTER: Gao LB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12596970 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature