A nondestructive method for extracting maternally derived egg yolk carotenoids

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dc.contributor.authorCassey, P.
dc.contributor.authorEwen, J.
dc.contributor.authorBoulton, R.
dc.contributor.authorKaradas, F.
dc.contributor.authorMoller, A.
dc.contributor.authorBlackburn, T.
dc.date.issued2007
dc.description.abstractMaternally deposited carotenoids are a prominent component of egg yolk and are vital for the development and growth of the embryo. In most studies of avian yolk carotenoids, eggs are destructively sampled and this may limit both the number of clutches studied and the research questions addressed. We describe an empirical field trial for a nondestructive biopsy method to extract small samples (0.05 ml) of egg yolk for highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of yolk carotenoid concentrations.We sampled 180 clutches (N = 44 biopsies) of two species of introduced thrushes (genus Turdus) from agricultural habitats in central North Island, New Zealand. Once the protocol was established, all biopsied eggs from clutches that were not depredated or deserted before candling were found to be developing normally after 3–5 d of incubation (N = 28) and all hatched. Biopsy samples (>0.02 g) produced concentrations of yolk carotenoids (and variances) that were statistically indistinguishable from whole yolk destructive samples. In addition, our samples (>0.02 g) confirmed previously reported differences in yolk carotenoid concentrations between the two thrush species and revealed a significant decline in yolk carotenoid concentration with laying order. Further examination of how variability in yolk carotenoid concentration and identity influences offspring sex, success, and survival or, later in life, reproductive success and ability to efficiently incorporate dietary carotenoids into both integument and immune tissues will require larger sample sizes. Studies to date have been restricted by the number of destructive samples that investigators are willing (or permitted) to obtain from wild species. Thus, we hope that our nondestructive method of sampling yolk will promote further examination of the links between carotenoid uptake from the environment and maternal investment in the avian yolk.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityPhillip Cassey, John G. Ewen, Rebecca L. Boulton, Filiz Karadas, Anders P. Møller and Tim M. Blackburn
dc.identifier.citationJournal of Field Ornithology, 2007; 78(3):314-321
dc.identifier.doi10.1111/j.1557-9263.2007.00111.x
dc.identifier.issn0273-8570
dc.identifier.issn1557-9263
dc.identifier.orcidCassey, P. [0000-0002-2626-0172]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/64446
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherAssoc Field Ornithologists
dc.rightsCopyright 2007 The Author(s). Journal compilation Copyright 2007 Association of Field Ornithologists
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1111/j.1557-9263.2007.00111.x
dc.titleA nondestructive method for extracting maternally derived egg yolk carotenoids
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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