Mentor/s
Dr. Barbara Pierce, PhD
Participation Type
Poster
Abstract
Maternal nutrition of birds prior to egg formation impacts the quantity and quality of eggs produced by the mother. More specifically, the amount and type of micronutrients, i.e. amino acids and fatty acids, in the diet can impact the micronutrients found in the eggs. Thus, diet composition can have lasting impacts on the development and overall health of the chicks. However, much of what is known about the impact of specific fatty acids in the maternal diet on egg composition is from studies on laying hens and not on wild birds. Furthermore, although most avian research on passerine birds use the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) as a model species for wild birds, we know of no studies which have examined the fatty acid composition of commercially produced finch feeds and their subsequent influence on egg quantity or quality. For this portion of the project we will use a modified Folch method to determine and compare fatty acid composition of three commercially produced, finch feeds; a premium pellet feed, a gourmet pellet feed, and a mixed seed feed. We predict the mixed seed diet will contain more essential fatty acids for birds as it is comparable to a wild bird diet however, we expect the two pellet diets to contain higher overall amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as compared to the seed mixture. It is important for wild birds to acquire the appropriate fatty acids in their diet in order to successfully produce quality offspring.
College and Major available
Biology
Location
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building
Start Day/Time
4-29-2022 1:00 PM
End Day/Time
4-29-2022 4:00 PM
Prize Categories
Best Multidisciplinary Research or Collaboration, Most Scholarly Impact or Potential, Best Visuals, Most Creative
Pellets or seeds; the fatty acid composition of three commercially produced Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata) diets and what they provide females for egg laying.
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building
Maternal nutrition of birds prior to egg formation impacts the quantity and quality of eggs produced by the mother. More specifically, the amount and type of micronutrients, i.e. amino acids and fatty acids, in the diet can impact the micronutrients found in the eggs. Thus, diet composition can have lasting impacts on the development and overall health of the chicks. However, much of what is known about the impact of specific fatty acids in the maternal diet on egg composition is from studies on laying hens and not on wild birds. Furthermore, although most avian research on passerine birds use the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) as a model species for wild birds, we know of no studies which have examined the fatty acid composition of commercially produced finch feeds and their subsequent influence on egg quantity or quality. For this portion of the project we will use a modified Folch method to determine and compare fatty acid composition of three commercially produced, finch feeds; a premium pellet feed, a gourmet pellet feed, and a mixed seed feed. We predict the mixed seed diet will contain more essential fatty acids for birds as it is comparable to a wild bird diet however, we expect the two pellet diets to contain higher overall amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as compared to the seed mixture. It is important for wild birds to acquire the appropriate fatty acids in their diet in order to successfully produce quality offspring.
Students' Information
Katrina Tessier, Biology Major on Pre-med track, Honors student and graduating in 2024