Topics:
Animal Refresher, Poultry Science
Hormone Responsible for Broodiness in Poultry
The hormone responsible for broodiness in poultry is:
- Growth hormone
- Prolactin — Correct Answer
- Vasotocin (AVT)
- Oxytocin
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Prolactin
Prolactin (from the anterior pituitary) is the hormone responsible for broodiness in poultry. It triggers the broody behaviour (sitting on eggs, aggression, cessation of laying) in hens.
Broodiness in Poultry
- Broodiness is the external manifestation of the maternal instinct to incubate eggs.
- It is a dominant sex-linked character.
- Good layers (e.g., Leghorn) are less broody; poor layers are more broody.
- Broodiness causes a complete cessation of egg laying — an economically undesirable trait in commercial layers.
Key Hormones in Poultry Reproduction
| Hormone | Function |
|---|---|
| Prolactin | Broodiness (maternal incubation behaviour) ✔ |
| Vasotocin (AVT) | Oviposition (contraction of uterus to expel egg) |
| LH | Triggers ovulation |
| FSH | Follicle development on ovary |
| Oestrogen | Medullary bone calcium mobilization for shell |
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Growth hormone → promotes body growth; not linked to broodiness.
- Vasotocin → responsible for oviposition (egg expulsion), not broodiness.
- Oxytocin → uterine contraction in mammals; in poultry, vasotocin plays this role.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Refresher
This multiple choice question is from Animal Refresher, Poultry Science. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Refresher to strengthen your preparation.
