Background Deteriorations in eggshell and bone quality are major challenges in aged laying hens.This study compared the differences of eggshell quality,bone parameters and their correlations as well as uterine physiol...Background Deteriorations in eggshell and bone quality are major challenges in aged laying hens.This study compared the differences of eggshell quality,bone parameters and their correlations as well as uterine physiologi-cal characteristics and the bone remodeling processes of hens laying eggs of different eggshell breaking strength to explore the mechanism of eggshell and bone quality reduction and their interaction.A total of 24074-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were selected and allocated to a high(HBS,44.83±1.31 N)or low(LBS,24.43±0.57 N)eggshell breaking strength group.Results A decreased thickness,weight and weight ratio of eggshells were observed in the LBS,accompanied with ultrastructural deterioration and total Ca reduction.Bone quality was negatively correlated with eggshell quality,marked with enhanced structures and increased components in the LBS.In the LBS,the mammillary knobs and effective layer grew slowly.At the initiation stage of eggshell calcification,a total of 130 differentially expressed genes(DEGs,122 upregulated and 8 downregulated)were identified in the uterus of hens in the LBS relative to those in the HBS.These DEGs were relevant to apoptosis due to the cellular Ca overload.Higher values of p62 protein level,caspase-8 activity,Bax protein expression and lower values of Bcl protein expression and Bcl/Bax ratio were seen in the LBS.TUNEL assay and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed a significant increase in TUNEL-positive cells and tissue damages in the uterus of the LBS.Although few DEGs were identified at the growth stage,similar uterine tissue damages were also observed in the LBS.The expressions of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocal-cin were upregulated in humeri of the LBS.Enlarged diameter and more structural damages of endocortical bones and decreased ash were observed in femurs of the HBS.Conclusion The lower eggshell breaking strength may be attributed to a declined Ca transport due to uterine tissue damages,which could affect eggshell calcification and lead to a weak ultrastructure.Impaired uterine Ca transport may result in reduced femoral bone resorption and increased humeral bone formation to maintain a higher mineral and bone quality in the LBS.展开更多
Utilizing Enzyme-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation(EICP)reinforcement technology has emerged as an innovative approach for soil improvement.In this study,kitchen waste eggshell powder was used as an additive mat...Utilizing Enzyme-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation(EICP)reinforcement technology has emerged as an innovative approach for soil improvement.In this study,kitchen waste eggshell powder was used as an additive material for EICP.The high external surface area and affinity for calcium ions of eggshell powder,which render it a suitable nucleation site for calcium carbonate precipitation.Experimental results demonstrate that the incorporation of eggshell powder,by increasing the number of nucleation sites and promoting calcium carbonate precipitation,reduces the inhibition of enzyme products,modulates the precipitation pattern of calcium carbonate,improves particle size distribution,and consequently significantly enhances the unconfined compressive strength of the samples.Furthermore,a neutral pH is achieved within the reaction system without the addition of any acid,thus preventing significant ammonia emissions.This underscores the potential of kitchen waste eggshells for recycling in biocement applications.展开更多
Some Miocene ratite eggshell fragments from Gashunyinadege (about 17.5 Ma) and Baogedawula (7.11 ± 0.48 Ma), Inner Mongolia, China, are described. The outer surfaces of eggshell fragments from Gashunyinadege are ...Some Miocene ratite eggshell fragments from Gashunyinadege (about 17.5 Ma) and Baogedawula (7.11 ± 0.48 Ma), Inner Mongolia, China, are described. The outer surfaces of eggshell fragments from Gashunyinadege are smooth with a sting pore pattern, while their entire thickness is around 2.12 mm. In a cross-sectional view, the surface crystal layer is very thin and the ratio of cone layer to the those from Gashunyinadege, but seem much thinner and have a lower pore density. Both characteristics fit aepyornithid-type eggshells, implying that the distribution of aepyornithid-type eggshells can be extended to East Asia. The sediments at Gashunyinadege date to approximately 17.5 Ma, implying that the specimens from this locality are relatively early examples of aepyornithid-type eggshells. Aepyornithidtype eggshells seem to have appeared in Eurasia much earlier than struthionid-type eggshells. The faunal compositions in the two localities reflect gradual drying of the Mongolian plateau during the Miocene. A reduction in the number of pores 10 Ma ago, probably occurred in response to this drying process.展开更多
The removal capacity of toxic heavy metals by the reused eggshell was studied. As a pretreatment process for the preparation of reused material from waste eggshell, calcination was performed in the furnace at 800℃ fo...The removal capacity of toxic heavy metals by the reused eggshell was studied. As a pretreatment process for the preparation of reused material from waste eggshell, calcination was performed in the furnace at 800℃ for 2 h after crushing the dried waste eggshell. Calcination behavior, qualitative and quantitative elemental information, mineral type and surface characteristics before and after calcination of eggshell were examined by thermal gravimetric analysis （TGA）, X-ray fluorescence （XRF）, X-ray diffraction （XRD） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, respectively. After calcination, the major inorganic composition was identified as Ca （lime, 99.63%） and K, P and Sr were identified as minor components. When calcined eggshell was applied in the treatment of synthetic wastewater containing heavy metals, a complete removal of Cd as well as above 99% removal of Cr was observed after 10 rain. Although the natural eggshell had some removal capacity of Cd and Cr, a complete removal was not accomplished even after 60 rain due to quite slower removal rate. However, in contrast to Cd and Cr, an efficient removal of Pb was observed with the natural eggshell rather than the calcined eggshell. From the application of the calcined eggshell in the treatment of real electroplating wastewater, the calcined eggshell showed a promising removal capacity of heavy metal ions as well as had a good neutralization capacity in the treatment of strong acidic wastewater.展开更多
Here, we examine 145 dinosaur eggshells from a new fossil locality in the Qiupa Formation （Upper Cretaceous） of the Luanchuan area in western Henan Province, China. The eggshells display elongatoolithid macro- and m...Here, we examine 145 dinosaur eggshells from a new fossil locality in the Qiupa Formation （Upper Cretaceous） of the Luanchuan area in western Henan Province, China. The eggshells display elongatoolithid macro- and microstructures, including ridges and nodes on the outer surface, two ultrastructurai layers, and an undulatory boundary between the mammillary and continuous layers. A phylogenic analysis shows that the Luanchuan eggshells belong to the ooclade Elongatoolithidae. Within Elongatoolithidae, the thickness ratio of the mammillary layer to the entire eggshell, and the porosity of the Luanchuan eggshells are comparable to the oogenera Macroolithus and Elongatoolithus. There is no direct evidence for the taxonomic identity of the Luanchuan eggshells; however, they were likely laid by oviraptorids based on their phylogenetic position and their similarities with known oviraptorid eggs.展开更多
The generation of highly polluting leachate from Sanitary Landfills has prompted the development of technologies applicable to treatment of these liquids. The aim of this study was to determine the kinetics of adsorpt...The generation of highly polluting leachate from Sanitary Landfills has prompted the development of technologies applicable to treatment of these liquids. The aim of this study was to determine the kinetics of adsorption of organic and inorganic matter contained in pre-treated leachate (by advanced oxidation by the Fenton reaction);after two adsorbents were used, first eggshell and then activated carbon. To determine the content of organic and inorganic matter COD was measured;this was the parameter for monitoring the kinetics. The leachate was subjected to advanced oxidation treatment by the Fenton reaction, then the adsorption process was conducted by batch, in two consecutive steps, the first step was the use of eggshell and the second step activated carbon. Due to the oxidation treatment the pH value decreased to 2, after the adsorption eggshell the pH increased to 6.9 and this was maintained in the treatment with activated carbon. The kinetics of adsorption of organic and inorganic matter on eggshell was evaluated by models pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order, the better fitting was the latter. The adsorption process was adjusted to the model of Langmuir. The negative value of △Hads indicated that the adsorption process was exothermic, spontaneous and favorable. The separation factor RL of Langmuir Isotherm values indicated that the adsorption of the matter on the eggshell was favorable at different temperatures. Finally, the activated carbon adsorption of liquid obtained from treatment with eggshell was favored with the kinetic model of pseudo second order. With the oxidation process, eggshell adsorption and activated carbon adsorption, the removal COD was 98.6%. The final COD value was fulfilled with the Mexican standard NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996.展开更多
NEM®?brand eggshell membrane is a novel dietary supplement that has been clinically shown to alleviate arthritis joint pain and stiffness;however the mechanism of action is not well understood. Preliminary evi...NEM®?brand eggshell membrane is a novel dietary supplement that has been clinically shown to alleviate arthritis joint pain and stiffness;however the mechanism of action is not well understood. Preliminary evidence from an?in vitro?study of?NEM®?indicated that the mechanism of action may be based on the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines.?In vivo?studies were therefore initiated to evaluate the effects of?NEM®?on pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines following oral administration in rats.?NEM®?was administered daily at doses of 6.13 mg/kg bw/day (Study 1), 10.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 2), or at doses of 0 (control), 26.0 or 52.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 3) by oral gavage for 7 consecutive days. Inflammation was induced in the Study 3 rats by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide. Changes in plasma cytokine levels from baseline following 7 days of oral supplementation with?NEM®?at 6.13 mg/kg bw/ day (Study 1) were statistically significant at Day 8 for IL-2, TIMP-1 and VEGF, at Day 21 for IL-10, and at Day 35 for MCP-1, MCP-3 and TIMP-1, and at 10.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 2) were statistically significant at Day 8 for VEGF, at Day 21 for MIP-1β, MIP-2 and VEGF, and at Day 35 for MCP-3, MIP-1β, MIP-2 and VEGF. Changes in serum cytokine levels versus control at 26.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 3) were statistically significant at all time-points for IL-1β?and at 1.5 hours for IL-10, and at 52.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 3) were statistically significant at 1.5 hours for IFN-γ, IL-1β?and IL-10, and at 3 hours for IL-1β, and at 24 hours for IL-10. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that oral supplementation with?NEM®?can influence both early-phase pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β?and TNF-α?(Study 3), as well as later-phase cytokines like MCP-1, MIP-1α?&?β, RANTES and VEGF (Study 1 & 2). These studies provide a possible basis for the mechanism of action of?NEM®?in vivo.展开更多
Ultra-micro structure of eggshell was observed and compositions of eggshell and feather were analyzed. The results showed that the structure of eggshell has special characters besides common structure. The content of ...Ultra-micro structure of eggshell was observed and compositions of eggshell and feather were analyzed. The results showed that the structure of eggshell has special characters besides common structure. The content of poisonous elements in wild great bustard(Otis talda) eggshell and feather is significant lower than that in eggshell of crested foes(Nipponis nippon) and in feather of red crown crane(Grus japonesis) because of less disturbance by people. The contents of 14 elements of female’s feather all are higher than those of male’s.展开更多
Biopolymer chitosan was used to modify the mechanical properties of soluble eggshell membrane protein (SEP) films. The SEP/chitosan blend films were prepared by solution casting from 10% aqueous acetic acid. Tensile s...Biopolymer chitosan was used to modify the mechanical properties of soluble eggshell membrane protein (SEP) films. The SEP/chitosan blend films were prepared by solution casting from 10% aqueous acetic acid. Tensile strength and elongation at break of the blend films increased with increasing amount of chitosan. Microphase separation was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, although interaction between the two components was revealed by FTIR. The biocompatibility of SEP/chitosan blend films containing 10%-50% of chitosan, as demonstrated by cell culture of NIH3T3, was much better than that of pure chitosan.展开更多
Background:Brood parasitic birds such as cuckoos(Cuculus spp.)can reduce their host’s reproductive success.Such selection pressure on the hosts has driven the evolution of defense behaviors such as egg rejection agai...Background:Brood parasitic birds such as cuckoos(Cuculus spp.)can reduce their host’s reproductive success.Such selection pressure on the hosts has driven the evolution of defense behaviors such as egg rejection against cuckoo parasitism.Studies have shown that Cinereous Tits(Parus cinereus)in China have a good ability for recognizing foreign eggs.However,it is unclear whether egg spots play a role in egg recognition.The aims of our study were to investigate the egg recognition ability of two Cinereous Tit populations in China and to explore the role of spots in egg recognition.Methods:To test the effect of eggshell spots on egg recognition,pure white eggs of the White-rumped Munia(Lonchura striata)and eggs of White-rumped Munia painted with red brown spots were used to simulate experimental parasitism.Results:Egg experiments showed that Cinereous Tits rejected 51.5%of pure white eggs of the White-rumped Munia,but only 14.3%of spotted eggs of the White-rumped Munia.There was a significant difference in egg recognition and rejection rate between the two egg types.Conclusions:We conclude that eggshell spots on Cinereous Tit eggs had a signaling function and may be essential to tits for recognizing and rejecting parasitic eggs.展开更多
基金This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32172743)China Agriculture Research System(CARS-40)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program(ASTIP)of CAAS.
文摘Background Deteriorations in eggshell and bone quality are major challenges in aged laying hens.This study compared the differences of eggshell quality,bone parameters and their correlations as well as uterine physiologi-cal characteristics and the bone remodeling processes of hens laying eggs of different eggshell breaking strength to explore the mechanism of eggshell and bone quality reduction and their interaction.A total of 24074-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were selected and allocated to a high(HBS,44.83±1.31 N)or low(LBS,24.43±0.57 N)eggshell breaking strength group.Results A decreased thickness,weight and weight ratio of eggshells were observed in the LBS,accompanied with ultrastructural deterioration and total Ca reduction.Bone quality was negatively correlated with eggshell quality,marked with enhanced structures and increased components in the LBS.In the LBS,the mammillary knobs and effective layer grew slowly.At the initiation stage of eggshell calcification,a total of 130 differentially expressed genes(DEGs,122 upregulated and 8 downregulated)were identified in the uterus of hens in the LBS relative to those in the HBS.These DEGs were relevant to apoptosis due to the cellular Ca overload.Higher values of p62 protein level,caspase-8 activity,Bax protein expression and lower values of Bcl protein expression and Bcl/Bax ratio were seen in the LBS.TUNEL assay and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed a significant increase in TUNEL-positive cells and tissue damages in the uterus of the LBS.Although few DEGs were identified at the growth stage,similar uterine tissue damages were also observed in the LBS.The expressions of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocal-cin were upregulated in humeri of the LBS.Enlarged diameter and more structural damages of endocortical bones and decreased ash were observed in femurs of the HBS.Conclusion The lower eggshell breaking strength may be attributed to a declined Ca transport due to uterine tissue damages,which could affect eggshell calcification and lead to a weak ultrastructure.Impaired uterine Ca transport may result in reduced femoral bone resorption and increased humeral bone formation to maintain a higher mineral and bone quality in the LBS.
基金supported by JST SPRING,Grant Number JPMJSP2119supported by JSPS KAKENHI,Grant Number JP22H01581.
文摘Utilizing Enzyme-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation(EICP)reinforcement technology has emerged as an innovative approach for soil improvement.In this study,kitchen waste eggshell powder was used as an additive material for EICP.The high external surface area and affinity for calcium ions of eggshell powder,which render it a suitable nucleation site for calcium carbonate precipitation.Experimental results demonstrate that the incorporation of eggshell powder,by increasing the number of nucleation sites and promoting calcium carbonate precipitation,reduces the inhibition of enzyme products,modulates the precipitation pattern of calcium carbonate,improves particle size distribution,and consequently significantly enhances the unconfined compressive strength of the samples.Furthermore,a neutral pH is achieved within the reaction system without the addition of any acid,thus preventing significant ammonia emissions.This underscores the potential of kitchen waste eggshells for recycling in biocement applications.
基金supported by the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(KZCX2-YW-120)the Key Laboratory of Evolutionary Systematics of Vertebrates,Chinese Academy of Sciences(2010LESV007)
文摘Some Miocene ratite eggshell fragments from Gashunyinadege (about 17.5 Ma) and Baogedawula (7.11 ± 0.48 Ma), Inner Mongolia, China, are described. The outer surfaces of eggshell fragments from Gashunyinadege are smooth with a sting pore pattern, while their entire thickness is around 2.12 mm. In a cross-sectional view, the surface crystal layer is very thin and the ratio of cone layer to the those from Gashunyinadege, but seem much thinner and have a lower pore density. Both characteristics fit aepyornithid-type eggshells, implying that the distribution of aepyornithid-type eggshells can be extended to East Asia. The sediments at Gashunyinadege date to approximately 17.5 Ma, implying that the specimens from this locality are relatively early examples of aepyornithid-type eggshells. Aepyornithidtype eggshells seem to have appeared in Eurasia much earlier than struthionid-type eggshells. The faunal compositions in the two localities reflect gradual drying of the Mongolian plateau during the Miocene. A reduction in the number of pores 10 Ma ago, probably occurred in response to this drying process.
基金Project supported by the Grant from Inje University,2000.
文摘The removal capacity of toxic heavy metals by the reused eggshell was studied. As a pretreatment process for the preparation of reused material from waste eggshell, calcination was performed in the furnace at 800℃ for 2 h after crushing the dried waste eggshell. Calcination behavior, qualitative and quantitative elemental information, mineral type and surface characteristics before and after calcination of eggshell were examined by thermal gravimetric analysis （TGA）, X-ray fluorescence （XRF）, X-ray diffraction （XRD） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, respectively. After calcination, the major inorganic composition was identified as Ca （lime, 99.63%） and K, P and Sr were identified as minor components. When calcined eggshell was applied in the treatment of synthetic wastewater containing heavy metals, a complete removal of Cd as well as above 99% removal of Cr was observed after 10 rain. Although the natural eggshell had some removal capacity of Cd and Cr, a complete removal was not accomplished even after 60 rain due to quite slower removal rate. However, in contrast to Cd and Cr, an efficient removal of Pb was observed with the natural eggshell rather than the calcined eggshell. From the application of the calcined eggshell in the treatment of real electroplating wastewater, the calcined eggshell showed a promising removal capacity of heavy metal ions as well as had a good neutralization capacity in the treatment of strong acidic wastewater.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(40872017)the Basic Outlay of Scientific Research Work from the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China,and the Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars, State Education Ministry,to L J.C
文摘Here, we examine 145 dinosaur eggshells from a new fossil locality in the Qiupa Formation （Upper Cretaceous） of the Luanchuan area in western Henan Province, China. The eggshells display elongatoolithid macro- and microstructures, including ridges and nodes on the outer surface, two ultrastructurai layers, and an undulatory boundary between the mammillary and continuous layers. A phylogenic analysis shows that the Luanchuan eggshells belong to the ooclade Elongatoolithidae. Within Elongatoolithidae, the thickness ratio of the mammillary layer to the entire eggshell, and the porosity of the Luanchuan eggshells are comparable to the oogenera Macroolithus and Elongatoolithus. There is no direct evidence for the taxonomic identity of the Luanchuan eggshells; however, they were likely laid by oviraptorids based on their phylogenetic position and their similarities with known oviraptorid eggs.
文摘The generation of highly polluting leachate from Sanitary Landfills has prompted the development of technologies applicable to treatment of these liquids. The aim of this study was to determine the kinetics of adsorption of organic and inorganic matter contained in pre-treated leachate (by advanced oxidation by the Fenton reaction);after two adsorbents were used, first eggshell and then activated carbon. To determine the content of organic and inorganic matter COD was measured;this was the parameter for monitoring the kinetics. The leachate was subjected to advanced oxidation treatment by the Fenton reaction, then the adsorption process was conducted by batch, in two consecutive steps, the first step was the use of eggshell and the second step activated carbon. Due to the oxidation treatment the pH value decreased to 2, after the adsorption eggshell the pH increased to 6.9 and this was maintained in the treatment with activated carbon. The kinetics of adsorption of organic and inorganic matter on eggshell was evaluated by models pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order, the better fitting was the latter. The adsorption process was adjusted to the model of Langmuir. The negative value of △Hads indicated that the adsorption process was exothermic, spontaneous and favorable. The separation factor RL of Langmuir Isotherm values indicated that the adsorption of the matter on the eggshell was favorable at different temperatures. Finally, the activated carbon adsorption of liquid obtained from treatment with eggshell was favored with the kinetic model of pseudo second order. With the oxidation process, eggshell adsorption and activated carbon adsorption, the removal COD was 98.6%. The final COD value was fulfilled with the Mexican standard NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996.
文摘NEM®?brand eggshell membrane is a novel dietary supplement that has been clinically shown to alleviate arthritis joint pain and stiffness;however the mechanism of action is not well understood. Preliminary evidence from an?in vitro?study of?NEM®?indicated that the mechanism of action may be based on the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines.?In vivo?studies were therefore initiated to evaluate the effects of?NEM®?on pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines following oral administration in rats.?NEM®?was administered daily at doses of 6.13 mg/kg bw/day (Study 1), 10.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 2), or at doses of 0 (control), 26.0 or 52.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 3) by oral gavage for 7 consecutive days. Inflammation was induced in the Study 3 rats by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide. Changes in plasma cytokine levels from baseline following 7 days of oral supplementation with?NEM®?at 6.13 mg/kg bw/ day (Study 1) were statistically significant at Day 8 for IL-2, TIMP-1 and VEGF, at Day 21 for IL-10, and at Day 35 for MCP-1, MCP-3 and TIMP-1, and at 10.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 2) were statistically significant at Day 8 for VEGF, at Day 21 for MIP-1β, MIP-2 and VEGF, and at Day 35 for MCP-3, MIP-1β, MIP-2 and VEGF. Changes in serum cytokine levels versus control at 26.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 3) were statistically significant at all time-points for IL-1β?and at 1.5 hours for IL-10, and at 52.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 3) were statistically significant at 1.5 hours for IFN-γ, IL-1β?and IL-10, and at 3 hours for IL-1β, and at 24 hours for IL-10. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that oral supplementation with?NEM®?can influence both early-phase pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β?and TNF-α?(Study 3), as well as later-phase cytokines like MCP-1, MIP-1α?&?β, RANTES and VEGF (Study 1 & 2). These studies provide a possible basis for the mechanism of action of?NEM®?in vivo.
文摘Ultra-micro structure of eggshell was observed and compositions of eggshell and feather were analyzed. The results showed that the structure of eggshell has special characters besides common structure. The content of poisonous elements in wild great bustard(Otis talda) eggshell and feather is significant lower than that in eggshell of crested foes(Nipponis nippon) and in feather of red crown crane(Grus japonesis) because of less disturbance by people. The contents of 14 elements of female’s feather all are higher than those of male’s.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.50773035).
文摘Biopolymer chitosan was used to modify the mechanical properties of soluble eggshell membrane protein (SEP) films. The SEP/chitosan blend films were prepared by solution casting from 10% aqueous acetic acid. Tensile strength and elongation at break of the blend films increased with increasing amount of chitosan. Microphase separation was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, although interaction between the two components was revealed by FTIR. The biocompatibility of SEP/chitosan blend films containing 10%-50% of chitosan, as demonstrated by cell culture of NIH3T3, was much better than that of pure chitosan.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.31772453 and 31970427 to WL,No.31672303 to CY and No.31770419 to HW)
文摘Background:Brood parasitic birds such as cuckoos(Cuculus spp.)can reduce their host’s reproductive success.Such selection pressure on the hosts has driven the evolution of defense behaviors such as egg rejection against cuckoo parasitism.Studies have shown that Cinereous Tits(Parus cinereus)in China have a good ability for recognizing foreign eggs.However,it is unclear whether egg spots play a role in egg recognition.The aims of our study were to investigate the egg recognition ability of two Cinereous Tit populations in China and to explore the role of spots in egg recognition.Methods:To test the effect of eggshell spots on egg recognition,pure white eggs of the White-rumped Munia(Lonchura striata)and eggs of White-rumped Munia painted with red brown spots were used to simulate experimental parasitism.Results:Egg experiments showed that Cinereous Tits rejected 51.5%of pure white eggs of the White-rumped Munia,but only 14.3%of spotted eggs of the White-rumped Munia.There was a significant difference in egg recognition and rejection rate between the two egg types.Conclusions:We conclude that eggshell spots on Cinereous Tit eggs had a signaling function and may be essential to tits for recognizing and rejecting parasitic eggs.
