Authors : A.M. Janczak , A. Haug and M. Bakken
Abstract: To study the effects and mechanisms of pre-hatch stress in hens it is important to have reliable methodology that can be used to illuminate effects of embryonic hormonal exposure without seriously compromising the viability of embryos. This experiment aimed to develop methods that can be used for injecting corticosterone into eggs prior to incubation without greatly reducing hatchability. The injection method involved application of a small amount of silicone sealant to the apical end of eggs, insertion of a needle through this seal to a depth of 5 mm into the albumen and injection of a sesame oil vehicle with or without corticosterone. It is shown that corticosterone can be injected with a resulting mortality of 38%. The applicability of these methods are discussed and will be further used to test for effects of corticosterone injections prior to incubation on behaviour and morphology in laying hens.
A.M. Janczak , A. Haug and M. Bakken , 2007. Evaluation of Experimental Methods for Manipulating Chicken Egg Hormone Content Using Injections . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 6: 500-504.