Meeting Abstract
Avian eggs protect embryos from desiccation and trauma while allowing exchange of gases. Although previous studies have shown that environmental factors such as temperature and humidity alter eggshell characteristics, little is known about the importance of those characteristics on embryonic growth and physiology. Here, we assessed how blockage of eggshell pores can affect zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) embryo hatching success and development pre-hatch. Eggs were divided into four groups: control, fifteen percent, thirty percent, and forty-five percent surface area coverage; the treatment groups were dipped in paraffin candle wax according to their assigned percentages. Eggs were then incubated at 38.6°C, and their heart rates were measured on day 4 and day 10. Hatching success shows a sigmoidal curve where control and 15% coverage have similar hatching success while 30% and 45% having extremely low success. There appears to be a threshold between fifteen and thirty percent where the embryos are able to tolerate this stress.
