Poultry Judging Practice Test

What is another term for the passage of an egg?

1. Ovulation

2. Oviposition

3. Brooding

4. Incubation

The correct answer is: Oviposition

Oviposition refers specifically to the process by which an egg is laid by a female bird. This term encompasses the entire act of the egg being passed out of the reproductive system and being deposited in the environment. Understanding this term is crucial for recognizing the reproductive cycles of birds, particularly in poultry production, where the timing and conditions of egg-laying can significantly affect overall productivity. In contrast, ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovarian follicle, which is part of the reproductive cycle but does not refer to the actual laying of the egg. Brooding denotes the process through which birds care for their eggs or young after laying, creating the right conditions for hatching and development. Incubation involves the temperature regulation and environment that assist the egg in developing until it hatches. Hence, while these other terms relate to reproduction and the care of eggs or chicks, they do not define the act of laying an egg itself, making oviposition the correct term in this context.