Hens mate with many roosters the female can eject the sperm of males she rejects especially those she finds inferior as a form of birth control

Hens: Masters of Birth Control

When it comes to the birds and the bees, chickens might not be the first species that come to mind. However, these feathered creatures have some fascinating reproductive strategies up their wings. Did you know that hens have a unique method of birth control? It turns out that these females have the power to eject the sperm of males they reject, particularly those they deem inferior.

To understand this intriguing phenomenon, we need to take a closer look at the hen’s reproductive system. Like many other animals, hens have a pair of functional ovaries responsible for producing eggs. These ovaries are connected to a long, tubular structure called the oviduct, which serves as the pathway for the eggs to travel from the ovaries to the outside world.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. When a hen mates with multiple roosters, each of these males deposits their sperm inside her reproductive tract. However, the hen has the ability to control which rooster’s sperm fertilizes her eggs. This incredible power is made possible by an unusual structure called the sperm storage tubules.

These sperm storage tubules are strategically located within the oviduct. After mating, sperm from different roosters travels up the oviduct and enters these tubules. It is here that the female has the ultimate say in which sperm she wants to use for fertilization.

This selective behavior is crucial for hens, as it allows them to make decisions based on the quality of the available mates. If a hen perceives a rooster as inferior or genetically unfavorable, she can actively eject his sperm from the storage tubules. By doing so, she ensures that only the sperm of the most desirable mates have the opportunity to fertilize her eggs.

This unique method of birth control offers several advantages to hens. Firstly, it allows them to choose the strongest and healthiest roosters as fathers for their offspring, increasing the chances of producing robust and genetically diverse chicks. Secondly, by removing the sperm of inferior mates, hens avoid wasting valuable resources on offspring that may have a lower chance of survival or reproductive success.

While this topic might seem peculiar, it highlights the incredible complexities of the natural world. Female chickens have evolved a remarkable reproductive mechanism, allowing them to maximize their reproductive success through selective fertilization. Next time you observe a group of hens and roosters, remember the power dynamics at play and the female’s role as the ultimate gatekeeper of fertilization.

Sources:

• Gizmodo