Comparison of elemental and ultrastructure of eggshells of budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) with scanning electron microscope

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate elemental and ultrastructural analysis of eggshells of Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) and Zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) using scanning electron microscope. Ten Budgerigar's eggshells and Zebra finch's eggshells were used in this study. The remaining of eggshell membranes were removed after the eggshells were incubated with distilled water overnight and were allowed to dry at room temperature over 24 h. About 0.5 cm2 section was cut from part of equatorial and pole of each eggshell. The Shell was fixed inner, outer and vertical posture to stubs. The samples were examined ratio of element and ultrastructure under scanning electronmicroscope. It was observed calcium (Ca), oxygen (O2), carbon (C) in outer layer and Ca, O2, C, nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) in inner layer of eggshell membrane. It was determined mamillary and palisade layer of budgerigar's eggshell were thicker than mamillary and palisade layer of zebra finch's eggshell. In conclusion, it was determined eggshells of budgerigar and eggshells of Zebra finch are similar properties.