Meeting Abstract

P2.90  Jan. 5  Morphological and Physiological Embryonic Development of the Humboldt Penguin,(Spheniscus humboldti). CROSSLEY II, Dane A*; GRANS, Albin; ALTIMIRAS, Jordi; Univ. of North Dakota; Link�pings universitet; Link�pings universitet dane.crossley@und.nodak.edu

The majority of our knowledge of avian developmental physiology is derived from studies of embryonic chickens. Utilizing this model, general patterns of development have been characterized for avian embryos. However given the diversity of avian species the specific patterns of development established for the chicken, may not apply universally to other avian embryos. Therefore, the goal of this study was to characterize the typical embryonic development of the Humboldt penguin, Spheniscus humboldti, to provide an additional representation of avian embryonic development. Humboldt penguin eggs were acquired from the Kolm�rden zoo in Sweden for the study. Basic cardiovascular parameters (heart rate and blood pressure), metabolic rate (oxygen consumption), and organ masses were determined at 10% developmental intervals beginning at 60%. Mean arterial pressure doubled over the period of study while heart rate remained relatively constant. Oxygen consumption increased 4 times during the period of study while embryonic mass tripled over this same period and organ masses increased up to 8 times the initial value. Collectively these data provide the foundation needed for future analysis of physiological development in penguin species.