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Egg Incubation Physiology - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 11:56, 22 July 2008
, 11:56, 22 July 2008→Heat Transfer to the Egg
== Heat Transfer to the Egg ==
== Heat Transfer to the Egg ==
* Transfer of heat from the body to the egg is the most important contribution of the incubating adult to incubation.
* Most birds develop a seasonal bare patch of skin known as the 'brood patch' on part of the thorax and abdomen.
** 'Brood patch' is in direct contact with the egg to permit a greater heat transfer than if there were feathers between them.
* At the same time, there is an increase in the size and number of blood vessels in the bare skin.
** Serves to increase heat transfer, as hot blood runs closer to the surface.
* Adult can adjust the rate of heat transfer by:
** Standing or leaving the egg.
** The closeness with which the 'brood patch' is applied to the egg.
** Responding physiologically to the temperature of the egg, thus increasing or decreasing metabolic heat production.
* 'Brood patch temperature is 34.9-42.4
== Development of Physiological Functions ==
== Development of Physiological Functions ==