Age related changes in ovarian follicles and plasma oestradiol in laying and broody desi hens (Gallus domesticus)
2015
Hassan, M. (Government of Punjab, Sargodha (Pakistan). Livestock and Dairy Development Dept.) | Mehmood, S. (Government of Punjab, Sargodha (Pakistan). Livestock and Dairy Development Dept.) | Javed, M. (Government of Punjab, Sargodha (Pakistan). Livestock and Dairy Development Dept.) | Abbas, G.
An experiment was conducted to investigate the age-related changes in body weight, ovarian weight, follicular growth and plasma oestradiol concentration in laying and broody Desi hens (Gallus domesticus) of Pakistan. A total number of 220, day old chicks (Desi) were brooded and reared in the brooder shed up to 20th weeks of age and then the birds were transferred to laying shed. At 23rd and 28th weeks of age, 5 birds were randomly selected, weighed, slaughter and ovarian weights were recorded. Blood samples were collected from the same 5 birds in the heparinized syringes. The pullets started laying at 29th weeks of age and broody condition was first observed at the age of 32nd weeks. At the age of 32nd weeks, five broody and laying hens were randomly selected, weighed and slaughtered to study similar parameters. This procedure was repeated at 4th week interval up to 52 weeks of age. A significant increase in body weight was observed at 40th week of age. Increase in ovarian weight was highest at 28th, 40th and 48th weeks of age during pre-laying, laying and broody stage, respectively. Highest numbers of follicles were noted during 40th week of age. Numbers of follicles were lower before and after 40th weeks of age. Size of follicles increased till 40th week of age and then declined up to 52 week of age. The results of this study indicate that the egg laying in Desi hens starts at 29th weeks of age and maximum reproductive capacity is achieved at 40-44th weeks of age. In broody Desi hens body and ovarian growth is markedly reduced as compared to laying hens.
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