Incorporation of Radioactive Zinc into the Eggs of Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract

The incorporation of ⁶⁵Zn into the eggs was investigated after a single or daily intraperitoneal administration to the laying Japanese quails. After a single intraperitoneal administration, the ⁶⁵Zn appeared first in the 2nd egg yolks, and reached the highest level in the 3rd and 4th ones, followed by a gradual decrease thereafter. The cumulative amount of ⁶⁵Zn in the egg yolks over a period of 3 weeks accounted for about 40% of the dose. After daily intraperitoneal administration, the 6th-9th egg yolks contained the highest radioactivity among the eggs examined. In addition, the whole-body retention patterns were also observed in the both trials.