Improved Techniques for Avian Embryo Culture, Somite Cell Culture, and Microsurgery

For more than a century, avian embryos have been used in the study of development. Yet, as research techniques improve, there is increased need for animal models that exhibit excellent development in vitro and are easily accessible for observations, manipulations, and cell culturing. Herein, we describe improved techniques (1) for culturing avian embryos on a transparent substratum, (2) for microsurgery and transplantation of avian embryo tissues, and (3) for the in vitro cultivation of avian somite cells.