Article
Carotenoids and egg quality in the lesser blackbacked gull Larus fuscus: a supplemental feeding study of maternal effects.
Proceedings. Biological sciences - 7 Jan 2002
Blount Jonathan D, Surai Peter F, Nager Ruedi G, Houston David C, Møller Anders Pape, Trewby Michael L, Kennedy Malcolm W
Abstract excerpt
Egg quality is a phenotype of, and can profoundly influence fitness in, both mother and offspring. However, the physiological mechanisms that underlie this maternal effect are poorly understood. Carotenoids are hypothesized to enhance antioxidant activity and immune function, and are responsible for the pigmentation of egg yolk. The proximate basis and consequences of this maternal investment, however, have not...
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