Ascorbic acid biosynthesis in hens producing strong and weak eggshells

Abstract

1. An experiment was conducted with two strains of layers to ascertain whether the reduction in eggshell strength occurring at the end of the production cycle is the result of reduced ascorbic acid biosynthesis. 2. Hens producing strong and weak eggshells were identified within each strain and egg production, egg weight, per cent shell, shell surface density, plasma, adrenal and hepatic ascorbic acid and renal L-gulonolactone oxidase activity were measured. 3. The strains differed in ascorbic acid synthesis, as measured by L-gulonolactone oxidase activity, and tissue ascorbic acid concentration. 4. Comparison of results from birds producing eggs of similar weight but markedly different in shell strength detected neither a shell strength group × strain interaction nor an effect of shell strength group on plasma and hepatic ascorbic acid and activity of L-gulonolactone oxidase. 5. The results did not support the hypothesis that tissue ascorbate and ascorbic acid biosynthesis are reduced in old hens producing weak eggshells.