Secretion of Radioactive Calcium in the Hen's Egg

Abstract

Investigations were made of the secretion of radioactive Ca45 in the hen''s egg. One mg. of Ca as a soln. of the chloride with an activity of 15 [mu]c was admd. to the lower esophagus of the fasted bird. For 20 days after dosage, each egg laid was analyzed for total Ca and Ca45 uptake in the yolk, white and shell. Results indicated the ability of the hen to incorporate a large percentage of ingested soluble Ca into the shell. Calculated from the total dietary Ca intake and output, a max. of from 60-75% of the Ca in the egg reached there directly from the ingested Ca, the remainder probably being drawn from the body stores.