Reproduction in Birds Flashcards
Do avian males have accessory glands?
No
How are the testes in avian species different?
Larger by comparison (increase 500x when active), intrabdominal, epididymis is small, highly coiled ductus deferens
What is the seminal glomus?
Part of the ductus deferens, used for sperm storage, only found in some species
What three types of phallus can be found in birds?
No phallus, phallus (no intromission), phallus (intromission)
When does spermatogenesis occur?
At night, cooler temperatures
How is sperm transferred usually?
Cloaca to cloaca contact
Which ovary is functional?
Left ovary, right activated if left ovary removed
What do the developing follicles contain?
Oocytes with yolk, granulosa and theca cells
How is the egg released?
Follicle splits open to release egg
What hormones are produced by avian granulosa and theca cells?
Granulosa produce progesterone, theca convert progesterone into oestrogen
What processes in preparation for eff laying is oestrogen involved in?
Calcium ATPase, medullary spaces calcified, VLDL (yolk), oviduct enlarges, secondary sex characteristics (plumage, comb size, receptivity)
What is the main endocrine difference of developing ovaries in birds?
Produce progesterone (compared to oestrogen in mammals)
What is the open period?
Window of time for LH release, from onset of darkness until 1 hour after onset of light
What must happen for ovulation to occur?
F1 follicle must produce enough progesterone during open period
How are the events preceding ovulation different?
No CL formed
