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Shell accessory materials: structure and function

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Microbiology of the Avian Egg

Abstract

The outer surface of the avian eggshell is frequently covered by a distinct, pigmented layer which may cap or plug the pore canals. This layer occurs in a number of forms (Table 2.1), in contrast to the true shell which is similar in structure and chemical composition for all avian species. As a consequence, various terms have been used to describe the outer layer. Board and Scott (1980) proposed that the term ‘shell accessory material’ (SAM) be used to describe all layers occurring on the outer surface of the calcitic shell. Board and Scott’s terminology has been adopted here, although where the layer is predominately inorganic or organic, the terms ‘cover’ or ‘cuticle’ are used respectively.

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Authors
  1. N. H. C. Sparks
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Bath, UK

    R. G. Board (Professor of Food Microbiology) (Professor of Food Microbiology)

  2. Reading, UK

    R. Fuller (Intestinal Microbiology Consultant) (Intestinal Microbiology Consultant)

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© 1994 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Sparks, N.H.C. (1994). Shell accessory materials: structure and function. In: Board, R.G., Fuller, R. (eds) Microbiology of the Avian Egg. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3060-2_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3060-2_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-6335-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-3060-2

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