Contributions of reproductive experience to observation maintained crop growth and incubation in male and female ring doves.

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: Previous work has established that experienced male ring doves (Streptopelia risoria) can maintain prolactin-dependent crop growth and readiness to incubate by observing an incubating partner. We report that this is also true for female ring doves. The role of experience in this phenomenon was examined in separate experiments with males and females. Observation of an incubating mate from 3 days after completion of egg laying is sufficient to maintain crop growth and incubation in both male and female ring doves in their second, but not in their first, reproductive cycle. Male and female doves in their first cycle must incubate for a greater part of the cycle before observation of an incubating mate is an effective stimulus; there are no differences between first and second cycle doves separated by a glass plate from the mate and nest 8 days after laying. Experience obtained within the first cycle apparently ensures that previously neutral stimuli come to elicit prolactin secretion. The effectiveness of these stimuli is reinstated early in a second cycle.

Additional Information

Publication
Animal Behaviour. 1986; 34:790-796
Language: English
Date: 1986
Keywords
Ring doves (Streptopelia risoria), Incubation, Crop growth

Email this document to