Influence of time of hatching on sexual maturity of pullets in Puerto Rico

Abstract

This study included the sexual maturity of 1,372 pullets of different breeds and crossbreds hatched from February G to June 5 in 1946, 1947, 1948 and 1949. Time of hatching was found to exert an important influence on the sexual maturity of pullets in Puerto Rico. Pullets hatched in February had earlier sexual maturity than pullets hatched in March. In most of the groups of birds studied, a curvilinear trend was apparent showing that birds hatched in May had earlier sexual maturity than those hatched in April. A series of graphs showing the regression of sexual maturity on time of hatching, by breeds and by years, are presented.