Abstract

The following document is an in depth analysis of avian eggshell. Specifically, the assessment of mechanical properties of avian eggshell. Eggshell is a common food staple around the world and the quality of the shell is a major influence to consumers. Eggshell defects and flaws are an immense burden on farmers and suppliers with a large number of eggs discarded before reaching store shelves. The poultry industry is constantly assessing ways of decreasing flaws and fracture in eggshell in order to reduce waste and financial loss. The following documents discusses and analyses the mechanical impact which dietary bird organic trace mineral supplement could have on the eggshell. This analysis was conducted, mainly on hen eggshell, and provides a thorough analysis of dietary changes can make to the shell. In addition, this was assessing birds over time which allowed for an assessment of bird age on the quality of eggshell. Additional validation studies and size analysis studies were completed to optimise methodology parameters and attempted to identify mechanical differences related to consumer eggs. The project presented the findings that there was no significant change in mechanical properties of eggshell with varying supplement in the diet. In addition, the project presented evidence which indicated that fracture toughness as a material property, increased with bird age. Porosity was also seen to increase with the ageing birds. Thickness of eggshell remained relatively unchanging throughout the project which indicated that perhaps thickness was not directly associated with changing quality over time. Nanoindentation studies provided proof that along the cross section of the shell, mechanical properties were significantly different. The practical results were also used in line with probability