Light and the Sexual Cycle of Game Birds

Abstract

The results of these experiments has led us to conclude that light is a primary factor in inducing sexual activity in pheasants, quail and grouse, through the mediation of the hypophysis. Once this hypophysealgonad reaction is started it can not continue indefinitely with adequate light but only until the hypophysis falters in the production of the gonad-stimulating hormone through causes unknown. The immature pheasant resembles the adult at the close of the breeding season in that the gonads are capable of responding to adequate hypophyseal stimulation.