Transfer of immunoglobulins and antibodies in the hen's egg

The presence of immunoglobulins and antibodies were investigated in the fertile hen's egg during embryogenesis. The egg yolk, egg albumin, amniotic and allantoic fluids, chick embryo serum and intestinal contents were examined for the presence of immunoglobulin and level of antibodies.

Immunoglobulin G was not detected in fresh egg albumin, but appeared in the albumin from the 4th day of embryogenesis and persisted through the 16th day. The antibody profile of egg albumin during embryogenesis attained two peaks, which were separated by a trough on the 8th day of embryogenesis. The immunoelectrophoretic pattern of albumin IgG was different from that of egg yolk IgG.

The IgG of chick embryo serum was of γ₂ mobility on the 12th day of incubation and shifted gradually to the full range of γ₁ and γ₂ mobilities on the 20th day of incubation. Egg-transmitted antibodies appeared on the 12th day of incubation and attained peak values on the 16th day of incubation.

Moderate antibody levels were detected in the amniotic and allantoic fluids from the 12th to the 18th days of incubation.