Reproduction Part 3 Flashcards
(9 cards)
What are the key structures of the male bird reproductive system?
Testes: Produce sperm and hormones; located in the abdominal cavity.
Epididymis: Stores sperm; smaller than in mammals.
Vas deferens: Transports sperm from epididymis to cloaca.
Ureter: Conveys urinary products.
Papillae: Emit semen into the female cloaca.
Cloaca: Common passage for digestive, urinary, and reproductive tracts.
Vent (Phallus): Copulatory organ; deposits semen during mating.
What hormones do male birds produce and what are their functions?
Androgens like testosterone, produced in the testes.
Functions:
Stimulate sperm production
Control sexual activity
Develop secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., comb size)
Influence social hierarchy (“pecking order”)
What are the primary components of the female bird reproductive system?
Ovary: Site of egg cell development (only one functional ovary remains).
Infundibulum: Catches the ovulated egg; site of fertilization.
Magnum: Adds the egg white (albumin).
Isthmus: Adds shell membranes.
Uterus (shell gland): Forms the eggshell.
Cloaca: Exit for the formed egg.
What are the parts of an avian egg and their functions?
Egg shell: Protection
Yolk: Nutrient source
Albumin (egg white): Cushions and nourishes
Air cell: Allows respiration
Chalazae: Keeps yolk centered
Shell membranes: Barrier to bacteria
What are the stages and timings of egg formation in the oviduct?
Infundibulum: Captures egg, fertilization (~15 minutes)
Magnum: Albumin added (~3 hours)
Isthmus: Shell membranes added (~1 hour)
Uterus: Shell formation (~20 hours)
Cloaca: Egg is laid
What are the extra-embryonic membranes and their functions?
Amnion: Protective sac; shock absorber
Allantois: Respiration, waste storage, digestive aid
Chorion: Gas exchange
Yolk sac: Nutrient absorption during and after hatching
What affects egg production in birds?
Light availability (photoperiod)
Nutrition and health
Temperature (optimal: 11–26°C)
Breed, housing, moulting, age, weather
How is egg production maintained year-round in commercial systems?
Use of artificial lighting to extend daylight hours and stimulate continuous laying
What are the incubation requirements for successful development?
Temperature: 37°C–39°C
Humidity: 60% (first 18 days), 70% (last 3 days)
Ventilation: Oxygen enters through shell
Egg turning: At least 3x/day to prevent embryo sticking
