Fertility from natural matings influenced by social and physical environments in multiple-bird cages.
Various social and physical environments were tested for effects on fertility using three White Leghorn strains in multiple-bird cages.  Familiarizing breeder males with the cage environment before introducing females had no appreciable effect.  Area per bird (560 vs. 1130 cm.-2) and cage height (40 vs. 80 cm.) were not detected as significant variables.  Firmer wire flooring and previous mating experience of males appeared to confer advantages in establishing fertility.
D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D003441:Crowding; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006799:Housing, Animal; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D012931:Social Environment