Abstract

Microorganisms are closely associated with eggs and may play a determinant role in embryo survival. Yet, the majority of studies focusing on this association relied on culture-based methodology, eventually leading to a skewed assessment of microbial communities. By targeting the 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, we, respectively, described bacterial and fungal communities on eggshells of the homing pigeon Columba livia. We explored their structure, abundance, and composition. Firstly, we showed that sampling technique affected the outcome of the results. While broadly used, the egg swabbing procedure led to a lower DNA extraction efficiency and provided different profiles of bacterial communities than those based on crushed eggshell pieces. Secondly, we observed shifts in bacterial and fungal communities during incubation. At late incubation, bacterial communities showed a reduction in diversity, while their abundance increased, possibly due to the competitive advantage of some species. When compared to their bacterial counterparts, fungal communities also decreased in diversity at late incubation. In that case, however, the decline was associated with a diminution of their overall abundance. Conclusively, our results showed that although incubation might inhibit microbial growth when compared to unincubated eggs, we observed the selective growth of specific bacterial species during incubation. Moreover, we showed that fungi are a substantial component of the microbial communities associated with eggshells and require further investigations in avian ecology. Identifying the functional roles of these microorganisms is likely to provide news insights into the evolutionary strategies that control embryo survival.We aimed to describe the dynamics of bacterial and fungal communities on homing pigeon eggshell surfaces. We investigated these communities at early and late incubation stages.

Highlights

  • Microorganisms in close interaction with eggs may act as a selective force on avian hatching success (Cook et al 2003, 2005a; Beissinger et al 2005)

  • Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

  • When comparing the two kits used for DNA extraction using eggshell pieces, we found higher DNA concentrations and a higher number of bands per Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) generated lane using the FSs kit instead of the NucleoSpinâ Soil kit (NSs) kit

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Summary

Introduction

Microorganisms in close interaction with eggs may act as a selective force on avian hatching success (Cook et al 2003, 2005a; Beissinger et al 2005) In this earliest stage of life, they may be harmful because of their potential pathogenicity against embryos. Environmental components, parental physiology and behavior, and their interactions, are key drivers of these microbial communities (Ruiz-de-Castan~eda et al 2011a). Environmental components such as protection against adverse conditions, nest structure, reuse of a nest, and choice of lining materials (e.g., feathers) can influence bacterial loads on eggshells (Baggott and Graeme-Cook 2002; PeraltaSanchez et al 2010; Walls et al 2012).

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