Importance of albumen content in whole‐body protein synthesis of the chicken embryo during incubation

Abstract

The importance of egg albumen content in whole‐body protein synthesis was investigated in developing chicken embryos by using lines genetically selected for high and low albumen contents and by removing albumen from eggs before incubation.

2. Whole‐body protein synthesis was estimated by injecting l‐[¹⁵N]‐phenylalanine intravenously on day 12 of incubation.

3. Embryos from high albumen eggs had higher whole‐body protein synthesis rates than those from low albumen eggs.

4. Whole‐body protein synthesis was reduced by the removal of albumen from eggs before incubation.

5. It was concluded that albumen content per se was of crucial importance in regulating whole‐body protein synthesis in chicken embryos during incubation.