Observations on the mineral metabolism of pullets: VIII. The influence of gonadal hormones on retention of calcium and phosphorus

Abstract

SUMMARY1. Sexually immature White Wyandotte pullets have been treated with gonadal hormones with the object of simulating those changes in calcium and phosphorus metabolism which normally take place during the fortnight or so before laying begins.2. It is shown that certain treatments of the sexually immature pullet with oestradiol dipropionate evoked hypertrophy of the oviduct and changes in blood calcium and phosphorus similar to those encountered in the normal laying pullet, but did not produce any significant increase in the rate of calcium or phosphorus retention.