Egg production and its physiological regulation in domestic fowl

Abstract

Domestic fowl, Gallus gallus domesticus, is the most important poultry (domesticated birds that serve as a source of egg or meat to human beings) in the world. The process of egg production in the female bird is composed of follicular rapid growth in the ovary, ovulation of the largest follicle, egg formation in the oviduct and oviposition. In the present review, the ovipository pattern, the egg producing process and its physiological regulation, especially endocrine control, in the hen are described. The period required to follicular rapid growth is 8days with a highest frequency, ranging from 7to 10days in almost all the follicles examined. Ovulation of the largest follicle in the ovary is mainly controlled by pituitary LH and follicular progesterone. Egg formation, being constituted by egg white, shell membrane and egg shell surrounding yolk, is conducted in the oviduct during about 24hours. Vasotocin and prostaglandins play an important role participating in oviposition.