Use of X-microanalysis to detect shell injuries of eggs from hens with swollen head syndrome

Hen swollen head syndrome (SHS) results in slight macroscopic changes in the egg-shell structure. A technique of X-microanalysis was used to detect the type of hell injury in morphologically deformed places. The examined egg-shells were taken during the peak of the disease and intensive clinical lesions. Irregular cracks in the cuticle on more than 50% of the egg-shells were noted. Based on a surface distribution of the cuticle x-intensity, the foci of deficiency and irregular distribution of some elements (O, Mg, Al and C) were found. On a transverse cross-section a cuticle thinning was visible, as well as a deformation of the papillous layer of the shell under which some deficiencies and empty spaces could be seen. (author)