Hyperpigmentation of the eggshell

The color of the eggshell depends on:

• The variety of the hen.
• Several pigments that are secreted by the cells in the walls of the oviduct, especially on ovoporphyrins (avian protoporphyrins). These pigments are waste products obtained from the recycling of haemoglobin and these residues are deposited in the shell of the egg.

The reason why the deposit of protoporphyrins increases in the eggshell can be caused by:

Lack of calcium

Layers harden its eggshell by depositing oyoporphyrins. To reach a diagnosis, we should see soft eggshells together with loss of femoral density, keel alterations and lighter eggshells (weighting less than 5.5g).

Viral Infections

INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS

As well as other viral infections, it affects the oviduct. It is accompanied by increased size of the atrophied left oviduct, which is also filled with liquid, as well as the presence of eggshells with longitudinal wrinkles.

AVIAN INFECTIOUS ANEMIA

It increases the destruction of red corpuscles such.  In is accompanied by growth stunt and paleness. If birds are vaccinated, they will suffer from the subclinical infection.

Hepatic intoxications

Caused by antiprotozoal and antioxidants which produce the overproduction of porphyrins. They must be accompanied by other manifestations such as ascites, hepatomegaly and discoloration of the liver and renal alterations. It can be due to an over dosage or accumulation of antioxidants in fats or the presence of antiprotozoal which have introduced improperly in the chain of food production.