Ultrastructural analysis of the eggshell: contribution of the individual calcified layers and the cuticle to hatchability and egg viability in broiler breeders

1. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the relationship between the layers of the eggshell and egg viability. The relative thickness (absolute and %) of the mammillary, palisade, vertical crystal and cuticle layers relative to the total eggshell were measured over a 30-week laying period in 2 broiler breeder lines having different hatchability rates. 2. A significant difference in hatchability of 5.5% between the breeder lines was observed. However, there was no significant difference in either egg viability or fertility between lines. 3. The relative thickness of the individual calcified layers and the cuticle did not differ between lines. Therefore, variations in the thickness of the individual eggshell layers are unlikely to explain the 5.5% difference in hatchability rate between lines. 4. The thickness of the calcified region did not alter as the broiler hen aged. However, the percent contribution of each calcified layer significantly differed over the egg production period. 5. The cuticle was significantly thinner at the beginning and at the end of the laying period compared to 38 weeks of age. 6. No significant correlation was observed between egg viability and the relative thicknesses of the mamillary, palisade or cuticle layers. In contrast, there was a positive relationship between egg viability and the thickness of the vertical crystal layer. 7. The percent contribution of the mammillary and palisade layers was similar in the thinnest and thickest eggshells, suggesting conservation of the proportions of these layers independent of eggshell thickness.