Abstract
Several humidity studies and incubation trials were conducted in plastic chambers to determine the effect of substituting helium for nitrogen in the atmosphere of developing chicken embryos and to determine optimal conditions for incubation in such an atmosphere. Histological studies were made on several tissues of embryos incubated in helium-oxygen or air for 7, 12, and 15 days. Yolk, amniotic and allantoic fluids of embryos incubated in helium-oxygen and air for 12 days were analyzed to determine differences between the two groups. Body weights, hemoglobin, hematocrits and heart rate were determined at one month intervals post hatch from F₁ generation offspring from parent stock hatched in a helium-oxygen or air atmosphere. Small birds were exposed for two to three hour intervals to a helium-oxygen or air atmosphere and comparisons were made on body temperature, heart and respiration rates.
Valera, Juan (1971). The effect of the substitution of helium for nitrogen in the atmosphere upon embryonic development of the chick. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -173276.