Analysis of Ovulation-Oviposition Patterns in the Domestic Fowl by Telemetry Measurement of Deep Body Temperature

Abstract

Continuous temperature records in relation to time of oviposition and behavior associated with it are summarized for 13 laying strain pullets with a regular pattern of oviposition and for a further 10 pullets which were either internal layers, or natural or induced layers of membranous-shell eggs. The records of 5 pullets, in which the most recently ruptured follicle was excised within 2-5 h after ovulation, and of 4 control pullets are also included. The previously reported finding that a temperature peak normally occurs at oviposition was confirmed. No evidence was found for the regular occurrence of twin temperature peaks (for ovulation and oviposition), or for other direct temperature indicators of time of ovulation. The oviposition temperature peak was always accompanied by characteristic pre-laying behavior, even in the absence of the oviposition due to occur at that time. Like the pre-laying behavior, the temperature peak was a consequence of the ovulation event of the previous day; it depended on the presence of the intact ruptured follicle from which the ovum was shed. Some preliminary observations were reported on the effects of injection of oxytocin, vasopressin or progesterone on body temperature.