OVARIAN DEVELOPMENT IN THE FEMALE RING DOVE IN RESPONSE TO STIMULATION BY INTACT AND CASTRATED MALE RING DOVES

Abstract

SUMMARY Six ovarian stages were identified in terms of egglaying latency in female ring doves (Streptopelia risoria); each stage is specified by a range of follicle sizes, characteristic follicle colour, vascularity and appearance of the oviduct. Relationships between these ovarian stages and cytological changes, levels of ovarian hormones and behavioural changes were examined. In another experiment female doves at different ovarian stages were paired with intact or castrated male birds to evaluate the effects of different levels of courtship activity on ovulation and egg-laying. Castrated male birds were effective in stimulating ovarian development culminating in egg-laying in females of advanced ovarian stage, but ineffective in female birds at earlier ovarian stages. In view of this, the decline of male courtship activity seen in normal breeding may have an important function in the reproductive biology of this species.