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The process of egg development inside a chicken is a fascinating and complex process that begins in the hen's reproductive tract. In this article, we will explore the different stages of egg development and how a chicken's body produces an egg.
The first stage of egg development is the formation of the yolk. The yolk is formed in the hen's ovary and is made up of mostly protein and fat. The yolk is then released into the oviduct where it is fertilized by the sperm from the rooster.
The next stage is the formation of the albumen, also known as the egg white. The albumen is formed in the infundibulum, the upper part of the oviduct, and is made up mostly of water, protein and mineral.
The third stage is the formation of the eggshell. The eggshell is formed in the uterus, or shell gland, and is made up of calcium carbonate. As the eggshell is formed, it also receives a coating called the bloom or cuticle, which is a natural barrier that is produced by the hen's body to protect the egg from bacteria and other contaminants.
The final stage is when the egg is laid, it travels down the oviduct and is covered in layers of albumen, membrane and shell. The eggshell is porous, which allows the egg to breathe, but also means that the egg can lose moisture through the shell. The bloom helps to reduce this moisture loss.