Shape of Active Ovary in Poultry

Correct Answer: Bunch of grapes

The active (functional) ovary in a laying hen resembles a bunch of grapes because of the numerous follicles (each containing a developing yolk) at various stages of maturation clustered together.

Ovarian Follicle Hierarchy

• A mature laying hen's ovary contains follicles at many stages: large yellow follicles (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5) and many smaller white follicles.
• F1 (largest, ~35 mm) is about to ovulate.
• One follicle ovulates approximately every 24–26 hours in a productive layer.

Comparison with Other Species

• Cattle ovary: Almond-shaped, smooth surface.
• Sheep/Goat ovary: Small, almond-shaped.
• Poultry ovary: Bunch of grapes (due to multiple visible surface follicles).

Why Other Options Are Wrong

• Almond shape → describes the ovary of cattle and small ruminants.
• Bean shape → not a standard description for any domestic species' ovary.
• Cauliflower shape → may describe pathological ovarian tumours; not the normal ovary.