![]() ![]() This abnormality is called a “blood spot.” If a small piece of membrane breaks free at the time the yolk is ovulated, the egg is formed with a “meat spot” inside. This drop of blood will be incorporated into the contents of the egg. Sometimes a small blood vessel in the follicular membrane hemorrhages as the yolk is ovulated. Abnormalities That May Occur During Egg Production ![]() As the egg cools down to room temperature, the contents of the egg condense, allowing the shell membrane to pull away from the shell on the blunt end of the egg, creating the air cell. It is interesting to note that the egg flips in the cloaca, so that the blunt end of the egg is deposited first. The egg passes through the vagina and is expelled by the cloaca through the vent to the outside. If the egg is brown, the pigment melanin is added about a half hour before the egg is laid. The egg now enters the uterus (shell gland) where the calcium shell is added over the next 20-22 hours. The yolk surrounded by egg white enters into the Isthmus where the shell membrane is added over the next 2 hours. The thin and thick egg white (albumen) will be added in 1-2 hours. The germinal disc stops developing after the egg is laid (as the temperature drops) until incubation begins again later. If the female germ cell and the sperm cell merge, cellular division will occur at a rapid rate over the next 24 hours in the hen. If fertilization is to occur, sperm that are stored (up to three weeks after mating) in folds of the magnum (called “sperm nests”) mobilize toward the germ cell on the yolk as it passes by. This spinning action produces the chalazas, tightly wound strands of egg white that assist in holding the yolk in the center of the egg. The egg white (albumen) is secreted and spun onto the yolk. The yolk is drawn into the oviduct by the infundibulum (funnel). It contains the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus, and vagina. The chicken’s oviduct is about 30 inches long. The follicular membrane thins and ruptures, allowing the yolk and the gamete cell to drop into the oviduct. Typically, one yolk reaches its maximum size each day. When a pullet has reached maturity, the yolks grow by adding nutrients (dudoplasm). The follicle contains an ovum (the gamete cell and undeveloped yolk) surrounded by a vascular membrane. The number of eggs to be laid is determined by the number of follicles. The ovary consists of large mass of tissue that contains immature and yolks in varying stages of development. Ovarian hormones also control the cyclical production of eggs. The ovary, about the size of an almond, produces hormones that cause puberty (sexual maturity) and female characteristics such as plumage colors and feminine body type. Unlike mammals, birds have one complete reproductive tract (left) and a rudimentary (right) tract. The reproductive system is made up of two distinct sections, the ovary and the oviduct. The female reproductive system has two functions: Reproduction (egg laying) and sex hormone secretion. The proper temperature, humidity, air and occasional rotation of the egg is all that is necessary for the egg to develop! Once the egg is laid, incubation or “pregnancy” takes place entirely outside the female’s body. All components necessary for the embryological development of the chick must be included inside the shell. The egg is formed in the reproductive tract of the hen. Besides carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, eggs provide the essential amino acids–the building blocks of protein.Įggs are essential in baking and cooking recipes, providing structural components and flavor. Today, eggs are a valuable part of a nutritious diet. Archeological records show that nomadic people of Africa searched the dessert for infertile ostrich eggs that had dehydrated in the sun, as a light-weight source of food for their journeys. Humans discovered the nutritional value of eggs many thousands of years ago. The hen’s egg is a complete unit designed to provide all of the nutrition necessary for the development of an embryo into a chick! Some fairs also have classes for duck eggs! There are even classes for egg displays which highlight artistic and creative abilities! Composition of an Egg Classes that are offered include: large white, large brown and large colored (blue or green) as well as bantam sized eggs. Competing in the Egg classes complete a project member’s competition in the poultry project and learning about eggs helps to understand the live bird project. Many county fairs have competitive classes for Shell Eggs. Where to find and how to raise layer chicks.Ready-To-Lay Pullets and Eggs as 4-H or FFA Projects.
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