Long-Term Shell-Less Culture of Turkey Embryos

A technique is described for the long-term shell-less culture of turkey embryos. Cultured embryos demonstrated a similar rate of growth through 17 days of total incubation (4 days in ovo plus 13 days in culture) compared to embryos incubated in ovo. Thereafter, the cultured embryos grew at a reduced rate compared to their in ovo counterparts. Cultured embryos also exhibited elevated hematocrit values but reduced serum protein levels compared to the embryos incubated in ovo. Serum zinc, copper, and iron concentrations were similar for both groups of embryos, although each element reached a maximum concentration at a different point during incubation. Embryos incubated in ovo demonstrated a sustained elevation of serum calcium concentration from day 16 of incubation that was absent in the cultured embryos. The significance of eggshell calcium stores to embryo growth is discussed. Shell-less avian embryo culture represents a potentially useful technique for the study of trace element metabolism during avian embryonic growth and development.