CHAPTER XXIX 

 DEVELOPMENT OF THE EGG 



Embryology. — It is certain that the majority of poultry keepers 

 do not know as much about the formation and development of 

 the egg as they should. Yet this is a very important subject, 

 a knowledge of which is essential before one can really exercise 

 intelligent care and feeding. To do certain things blindly or on 

 a guesswork principle is archaic; they may be correct, and the 

 results therefrom may be entirely satisfactory up to a given point, 

 when, without any warning, trouble may come. Then, if the 

 foundation of one's knowledge is meager, or perhaps there is no 

 foundation at all, which is frequently the case, the poultryman 

 is at a loss for a solution or remedy. It is like trying to run an 

 engine without some understanding of its construction; when 

 trouble occurs, instead of being able to repair or adjust the defect, 

 the situation becomes aggravated and serious. 



Every phase of the poultryman's work should have a definite 

 purpose, and in view of the fact that the egg is the first stage in the 

 production of fowls, whether for meat, eggs or the show room, it 

 behooves him to have at least a general idea of embryology. 



Some hens are absolutely sterile; of this there is no doubt, 

 but they are rare, and are to be compared with" any other mal- 

 formation. Others have the power to produce a few eggs in 

 short litters, followed by long rest periods, whereas others have 

 reproductive organs which are so strong and easih' stimulated 

 that they lay almost without cessation, and continue to do so for 

 a couple of years. In fact, they seem almost to have a super- 

 natural power. 



Prolific Power of a Hen. — ^Some experts tell us there are more 

 than 7,000 latent eggs in the normal hen, but whether or not this 



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