title: A mathematical representation of the ovulatory cycle of the domestic hen.
abstract: The ovulatory cycle of the domestic hen (Gallus domesticus) was postulated to be the result of the interaction of two independent systems. A circadian system ws postulated to control the restriction of ovulation to an 8-h period of the day under conventional 14 h light: 10 h dark regimes. The final phase of follicular maturation was postulated to commence after ovulation of the preceding ovum in the hierarchy. Ovulation was postulated to occur when a mature follicle was present in the ovary during the appropriate phase of the circadian-linked system. The predicted times of oviposition were within the standard error of the observed times of oviposition under 21-, 24- and 28-h photoschedules. It was concluded that this hypothesis for the control of the ovulatory cycle of the hen is consistent with current knowledge.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005260:Female; D008027:Light; D008954:Models, Biological; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000254:growth & development; D010058:Oviposition; D010060:Ovulation