Abstract #0917

McNaught I, Condon B, Mullin J, Fagen A, Bain M

This study was undertaken using a state-of-the-art ultra high field (7 Tesla) MRI system to assess the feasibility of monitoring chick development and growth in ovo throughout the incubation period (21 days). Chick movement was problematic from day 8 but this was minimized by cooling the eggs in a fridge (4oC) for 1 hour prior to imaging. Image quality was excellent allowing the growth of individual organs including the brain, liver and heart to be continuously monitored from day 12 of incubation through to hatching. MRI has many benefits over more traditional invasive methods of monitoring chick development and growth.