Poultry Judging Practice Test

What is another term for the process by which an egg is expelled from the hen?

1. Fertilization

2. Gestation

3. Oviposition

4. Incubation

The correct answer is: Oviposition

The term that describes the process by which an egg is expelled from the hen is oviposition. This process involves the hen laying eggs, which is a natural part of her reproductive cycle. During oviposition, the egg passes through the hen's reproductive tract and is laid as a complete egg, which can then potentially be fertilized if a rooster is present. Fertilization refers to the union of sperm and egg, which occurs prior to oviposition if mating takes place, but is not the act of laying the egg itself. Gestation typically pertains to the development of embryos in mammals, not birds, and is therefore not applicable in the context of poultry. Incubation refers to the process of keeping the eggs warm to aid in embryo development after they have been laid, but again, does not describe the act of laying the eggs. Thus, oviposition is the most accurate term for the process described in the question.