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Attempted induction of gynogenesis in chickens

Journal Article · · Poult. Sci.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.0541700· OSTI ID:7343041

Dark Cornish and White Leghorn hens were divided into a virgin group and a group inseminated with semen that had been irradiated with 5,000 R of X rays. Two replicate trials were performed, one during winter and the second during summer. Two parthenogenetic embryos were found among 1,417 virgin eggs incubated for 24 hours. No other development was seen in eggs from this group. The three chicks produced by the inseminated group were not gynogenetic. Their heterozygous coloration showed them to be normal fertilization products. Fertility of 1,500 eggs was only about 5 percent and survival was almost nil for eggs from hens artificially inseminated with semen irradiated at 5,000 R. Most embryonic development consisted of membranous growth with occasional blood cells. The frequency of detectable embryonic development in abortive eggs was half as great after seven days incubation compared to the frequency after only 24 hours incubation.

Research Organization:
New Mexico State Univ., La Cruces
OSTI ID:
7343041
Journal Information:
Poult. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Poult. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 54:5; ISSN POSCA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English