Contribution of nesting experience to progesterone-induced incubation in ring doves (Streptopelia risoria).

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
George F. Michel, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: When a reproductively experienced dove is removed from visual isolation and placed in a breeding cage with an unfamiliar mate and a nest containing eggs, it takes about 5–7 days before it will exhibit incubation behavior. However, similarly experienced doves will exhibit incubation within a few minutes of being placed in a breeding cage if they receive a series of progesterone injections during the last 7 days that they are in isolation (Lehrman, 1958). No other hormone produces such a rapid expression of incubation behavior (Lehrman & Brody, 1961). However, the capacity of progesterone to facilitate incubation requires the joint action of other factors, including other hormones and certain external stimuli. Female doves must have a certain level of circulating estrogen (Cheng, 1979; Cheng & Silver, 1975), and male doves must have appropriate levels of testosterone (Komisaruk, 1967; Stern & Lehrman, 1969). Also, both the mate and the nest with eggs provide stimuli that are required before progesterone will induce incubation (Bruder & Lehrman, 1967; Lehrman, Brody, & Wortis, 1961).

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Comparative Psychology. 1985; 99:259-265
Language: English
Date: 1985
Keywords
Ring Doves (Streptopelia risoria), Incubation behavior, Progesterone injections

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