Revealing concealed genetic variation in the egg laying pattern of the domestic hen
Titel:
Revealing concealed genetic variation in the egg laying pattern of the domestic hen
Auteur:
Lillpers, Kristina Wilhelmson, Martin
Verschenen in:
Biological rhythm research
Paginering:
Jaargang 17 (1986) nr. 2 pagina's 109-111
Jaar:
1986-07
Inhoud:
The purpose of our study was to investigate the possibility of revealing hitherto concealed genetic variation in the laying capacity of the domestic hen. Usually, a laying hen has an oviposition period slightly longer than 24 h (Fraps, 1970; Yoo et al., 1979), although some birds are capable of laying more often than once every day (Yoo et al., 1979; Foster, 1981). In normal circumstances, hens are synchronized by the driving light-dark cycle and are inhibited from exhibiting fully their innate capacity of ovulation and oviposition. With a short enough cycle the potential for possible rapid layers could be realized. We therefore screened hens for their ability to adapt their ovipositions to a 231/2-h cycle. The results showed a considerable variation in laying patterns and exposed hens having a faster than 24-h ovulation/laying interval. Our method gives a more accurate ranking of hens having a superior ovulation rate, and is thus of value in selection for egg production.
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