Biomaterial Database

Genetic variation in the time of oviposition in the laying hen. 1991

K Lillpers

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Uppsala, Sweden.

1. The distribution of oviposition times in modern layers is relatively narrow. Consequently, in management systems where hens have to compete for nestboxes, some eggs will be laid on the floor. 2. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of using genetic methods to change oviposition time while maintaining a high production rate. 3. The mean oviposition times of 464 hens from three selection lines were calculated using time-of-lay records for every egg laid until the hens reached 51 weeks of age. 4. Heritability estimates for mean oviposition time were high for each of the three lines: 0.38, 0.68 and 0.78. 5. The three lines differed in terms of the genetic correlations between mean oviposition time and certain important production traits. It should, however, be possible to shift the mean oviposition time while maintaining a high production rate. 6. It is suggested that the spread in oviposition times be increased by performing divergent selection for mean oviposition time and by mixing the different genotypes in the same commercial flock, kept on the floor or in other non-cage systems.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D010058	Oviposition	The process of laying or shedding fully developed eggs (OVA) from the female body. The term is usually used for certain INSECTS or FISHES with an organ called ovipositor where eggs are stored or deposited before expulsion from the body.	Larviposition,Larvipositions,Ovipositions
D002645	Chickens	Common name for the species Gallus gallus, the domestic fowl, in the family Phasianidae, order GALLIFORMES. It is descended from the red jungle fowl of SOUTHEAST ASIA.	Gallus gallus,Gallus domesticus,Gallus gallus domesticus,Chicken
D002940	Circadian Rhythm	The regular recurrence, in cycles of about 24 hours, of biological processes or activities, such as sensitivity to drugs or environmental and physiological stimuli.	Diurnal Rhythm,Nyctohemeral Rhythm,Twenty-Four Hour Rhythm,Nycthemeral Rhythm,Circadian Rhythms,Diurnal Rhythms,Nycthemeral Rhythms,Nyctohemeral Rhythms,Rhythm, Circadian,Rhythm, Diurnal,Rhythm, Nycthemeral,Rhythm, Nyctohemeral,Rhythm, Twenty-Four Hour,Rhythms, Circadian,Rhythms, Diurnal,Rhythms, Nycthemeral,Rhythms, Nyctohemeral,Rhythms, Twenty-Four Hour,Twenty Four Hour Rhythm,Twenty-Four Hour Rhythms
D005260	Female		Females
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D014644	Genetic Variation	Genotypic differences observed among individuals in a population.	Genetic Diversity,Variation, Genetic,Diversity, Genetic,Diversities, Genetic,Genetic Diversities,Genetic Variations,Variations, Genetic