Fig. 7

Dynamic changes in eggshell properties with serosal cuticle degradation. a Change in water-loss rates. Box plots indicate water-loss rates after 5 days of exposure to 43% relative humidity conditions; these rates were assessed gravimetrically in eggs at various developmental stages. The initial weights at each developmental stage are also shown by line plots. Different letters indicate statistically significant differences (N = 12 samples (each containing 10 eggs), likelihood ratio test of a generalized linear model, P < 0.05). b Change in hatching-line cleavability. The pushing force needed to cause a rupture of the hatching line was measured. The number of eggs that were not ruptured by less than 1000 mN and the number that burst in locations other than the hatching line are shown in the rightmost bars. Median values for each developmental stage are indicated by red triangles, and different letters indicate significant differences (Steel-Dwass test, P < 0.05)