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A Peculiar Egg Abnormality
arise from the rupture of the vitillene membrane and the outflow of yolk substance. This may be due to a weak vitillene membrane or to constricted oviducts but cannot be classed as true double eggs. Parker ('06) mentions three classes of double eggs. First, those whose yolks come from an abnormal ovary thru a normal oviduct; second, those whose yolks have come from a normal ovary but thru an abnormal oviduct, and last, those produced by both abnormal ovary and oviduct. In the same article he describe a case of ovum in ovum in which there was no yolk contained in either egg except some traces of yellow in the albumen near the posterior end of the egg. This yellow might be due to some partially escaped yolk. Von Nathusius ('95) has pointed out that eggs containing only albumen can be formed by the introduction of foreign bodies into the oviduct by accident, for when laying an egg, a hen rolls out the distal portion of the oviduct and in this way foreign particles may adhere and be carried into the cavity. Parasites and clots of albumen may form a nucleus around which the albumen may collect. On the other hand this may be due simply to some indirect action of the ovary on the oviduct. It has been shown by Curtis ('14) that the glands of the oviduct are not completely discharged during the formation of a single yolked egg but that under stimulation they elaborate their secretions with great rapidity. Hargitt ('12) mentions an onomaly somewhat similar to the one here to be discussed though the egg described was smaller. The larger end contained a normal yolk and the smaller end seemed to have only some albumen tinged with yellow, which suggested that there might have been some yolk present. This he was unable to determine since the egg had evaporated somewhat. He suggests as reasons for this either a rupture of the yolk or some malformation of the oviduct. Chidester ('15) describes a similar double egg in which the yolk extended thru the connecting neck and was present in each end of the egg. This "gourd shape" type of egg according to Curtis ('14) forms a logical step between two eggs at one time and the double yolked egg. Usually these eggs are soft shelled and both eggs are normal except for the connecting neck containing albumen. In such cases the second egg must have so nearly approached-the first that the stimuli upon the isthmus glands overlapped causing the formation of the membraneous tube, continuous with the shell membrane of each.
A PECULIAR EGG ABNORMALITY. Double yolked hen eggs are not uncommon nor very rare. Various abnormalities of this order have been described and various theories have been advanced for the causes, but in most of those described, the egg has been either double yolked or. consisted of albumen alone. In the abnormality to be described we have a rare case in that one division of the egg contains only albumen and the other contains both yolk and albumen. Curtis ('14) says that most abnormal eggs are laid by young pullets. At least those eggs abnormal in regard to the unusual number of yolks. These abnormalities are not rare and may become chronic. F6r6 ('98) has succeeded in producing double eggs in a hen by drugging her with atropine sulphate. Yolks of unusual form (Curtis '14) may
FIGURE 1 The egg here described (Fig. 1) was collected by L. S. Dodson and given to 78
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at NERL on May 23, 2015
huddling; thereby greatly reducing the mortality from that source. It must be further added that the top burlap is large enough to allow for a side curtain extending out sufficiently to cover the outside wall. Now another layer of burlap is also placed at the top to correspond and to fit on the inner cover. Here however, the outside top burlap does not sag in, but is stretched out flat in order to prevent the chicks from flying into the interior sagged burlap and soil it. Both the inner and outer burlap covers are held fast by wire pins which are stuck in 3/32 inch holes situated six inches apart on the top of the framing circle. Both the inner and outer drop curtains are raised about one inch from the ground to prevent its soiling, and allow the entrance of fresh air from the bottom. In moderate weather such as we have under Southern conditions in the spring, the two burlap covers mentioned above will suffice to keep the chicks comfortable. Should the weather suddenly turn cold, or under Northern conditions a padding of some kind between the two burlap covers will be necessary. The cheapest padding recommended is ordinary newspapers, the thickness of which may be made any size desired. The present description of the make up of the "fireless weaner" is very inexpensive. Its frame work of iron will prevent the harboring of mites and lice. The burlap covers after one season's service may be washed and used again or burned up and exchanged by a new one. Fig. 1 is a photograph of the "Improved Weaner" as it is now used at the A. and M. College Poultry Farm, College Station, Texas. Fig. 2 shows a photograph of the front section folded up. M. B. TAUBBNHAUS, Texas.
AN IMPROVED FIRELESS W E A N E R
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An Improved Weaner
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A PECULIAR EGG ABNORMALITY
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External view of Abnormal Egg
Longitudinal section of Abnormal Egg
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two. Then, too, the cause might be attributed to some abnormality of the oviduct but since all the other eggs of the same pullet have been normal, the first seems to be the more reasonable explanation. BERNAL R. WEIMER, West Virginia University. Literature Cited. Chidester, F. E. '15, An Abnormal Hen's Egg, Am. Nat. Jan. 1915. Curtis, Maynie R. '14. Studies on the Physiology of Reproduction in the Domestic Fowl, Biol. Bull. Vol. 26, pp. 55-83. Fere, C. '98. Deuxieme note sur le development et sur la position de l'embryon de poulet dans les oeufs a deux jaunes. C. R. de Soc. de Biol. 1898, p 922. Hargitt, C. W. '12. Double Eggs. Am. Nat., Vol. 46, pp. 556-560. Parker, G. H., '06. Double Hen's Eggs. Am. Nat., Vol. 49, pp. 13-25. Von Nathusis '95. Untersuchungen tiber die Entschelung der Missblidungen zunachst in den Eiren der Vogel. Arch. f. mikr. Anat. Bd. 45; pp. 654-692. LATEST INFORMATION REGARDING NATIONAL WAR EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION. The Advisory Council elected at the National Poultry Conference in Chicago in March met in Chicago on June 10th with 11 members present. Tentative constitution and by-laws were presented, and after hours of deliberation and much study, permanent by-laws- were unanimously adopted. The following extracts will be of interest as indicative of the aims and purposes of this national war emergency movement. The name selected is the National War Emergency Poultry Federation. The objects and purposes for which this organization has been formed a r e to promote, develop, foster; improve and protect the poultry industry - in the United States of America, during the period of the war, and in particular to effect such results through the agencies of investigation, education, cooperation and legislation. The principle office of the corporation was designated as New Brunswick, N. J., and the name of the agent designated as being in charge thereof is Harry R. Lewis. Five trustees were elected to form the corporation, as follows: Reese V. Hicks, A. G. Philips, E. E. Richards, H. R. Lewis, S. T. Edwards. Three types of members are recognized by the by-laws of the Federation, as follows: Annual Individual Members are per79
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at NERL on May 23, 2015
Prof. Reese of West Virginia University. The egg was laid by a white leghorn pullet between eleven and thirteen months old, which belonged to the West Virginia State Farm. It was collected May 13, 1917, and was studied three weeks later. When gathered the egg had not the full, rounded appearance seen in the photograph (Fig. 1) but as soft shelled eggs commonly are when found, the egg was covered only by the shell membrane which was flabby and loose around its contents. The egg was preserved in formalin and by osmosis probably, the preserving fluid passed into the egg and filled out the membrane to its present extent. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the egg seemed to be made up of two enlarged bulbous ends connected by a sort of neck The one end of the egg was opened and the darkened area seen is the yolk. This yolk, as can be seen in Fig. 2, y, was found only in the one end of the egg. Passing from the yolk and attached to one end of it, was a mass of albumen somewhat coiled in £,ppearance and resembling t h s ehalaza (Fig. 2, ii.). This passed thru ths neck of the egg to the other end. FIGURE 2. In order to examine the contents of the other end of the egg, a longitudinal incision was made in the egg membrane. The peripheral part of the contents was of soft, jelly-like albumen which had been coagulated by the formalin. Near the center was found a tough gelatinelike core, also of albumen, which appeared to be an extension of the chalazal mass of albumen from the yolk in the other end, (Fig. 2, a ) . This portion when further dissected appeared to be made up only of albumen. No trace of yolk was found in this end of the egg. No foreign matter, such as might be taken in by the oviduct, was found. A portion of the hardened albumen when seen in cross section seemed to be made up of spiral coils, but as this was the only portion found with that appearance, it could not be determined whether it was true of the whole toughened core. Since the yolk in one end of the egg did not have any indication of having been broken and since no trace of yolk was found in the other end, it would appear that the one end contained only albumen. Moreover the egg was studied comparatively soon after it was laid, so that there could have been no loss of yolk thru imperfect preservation. For this peculiar abnormality the following explanation might be offered. Some conbealed or hardened albumen may have stimulated the glands in the oviduct and the mass of albumen was secreted. This passed down toward the ithmus. Meanwhile a yolk, set free from the ovary, approached this albuminous portion causing an overlapping stimulation of the isthmus glands so that the shell membrane was formed over both, leaving the neck connecting the
A PECULIAR EGG ABNORMALITY. Double yolked hen eggs are not uncommon nor very rare. Various abnormalities of this order have been described and various theories have been advanced for the causes, but in most of those described, the egg has been either double yolked or. consisted of albumen alone. In the abnormality to be described we have a rare case in that one division of the egg contains only albumen and the other contains both yolk and albumen. Curtis ('14) says that most abnormal eggs are laid by young pullets. At least those eggs abnormal in regard to the unusual number of yolks. These abnormalities are not rare and may become chronic. F6r6 ('98) has succeeded in producing double eggs in a hen by drugging her with atropine sulphate. Yolks of unusual form (Curtis '14) may
FIGURE 1 The egg here described (Fig. 1) was collected by L. S. Dodson and given to 78
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at NERL on May 23, 2015
huddling; thereby greatly reducing the mortality from that source. It must be further added that the top burlap is large enough to allow for a side curtain extending out sufficiently to cover the outside wall. Now another layer of burlap is also placed at the top to correspond and to fit on the inner cover. Here however, the outside top burlap does not sag in, but is stretched out flat in order to prevent the chicks from flying into the interior sagged burlap and soil it. Both the inner and outer burlap covers are held fast by wire pins which are stuck in 3/32 inch holes situated six inches apart on the top of the framing circle. Both the inner and outer drop curtains are raised about one inch from the ground to prevent its soiling, and allow the entrance of fresh air from the bottom. In moderate weather such as we have under Southern conditions in the spring, the two burlap covers mentioned above will suffice to keep the chicks comfortable. Should the weather suddenly turn cold, or under Northern conditions a padding of some kind between the two burlap covers will be necessary. The cheapest padding recommended is ordinary newspapers, the thickness of which may be made any size desired. The present description of the make up of the "fireless weaner" is very inexpensive. Its frame work of iron will prevent the harboring of mites and lice. The burlap covers after one season's service may be washed and used again or burned up and exchanged by a new one. Fig. 1 is a photograph of the "Improved Weaner" as it is now used at the A. and M. College Poultry Farm, College Station, Texas. Fig. 2 shows a photograph of the front section folded up. M. B. TAUBBNHAUS, Texas.
AN IMPROVED FIRELESS W E A N E R
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at NERL on May 23, 2015
An Improved Weaner
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A PECULIAR EGG ABNORMALITY
A
External view of Abnormal Egg
Longitudinal section of Abnormal Egg
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at NERL on May 23, 2015
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two. Then, too, the cause might be attributed to some abnormality of the oviduct but since all the other eggs of the same pullet have been normal, the first seems to be the more reasonable explanation. BERNAL R. WEIMER, West Virginia University. Literature Cited. Chidester, F. E. '15, An Abnormal Hen's Egg, Am. Nat. Jan. 1915. Curtis, Maynie R. '14. Studies on the Physiology of Reproduction in the Domestic Fowl, Biol. Bull. Vol. 26, pp. 55-83. Fere, C. '98. Deuxieme note sur le development et sur la position de l'embryon de poulet dans les oeufs a deux jaunes. C. R. de Soc. de Biol. 1898, p 922. Hargitt, C. W. '12. Double Eggs. Am. Nat., Vol. 46, pp. 556-560. Parker, G. H., '06. Double Hen's Eggs. Am. Nat., Vol. 49, pp. 13-25. Von Nathusis '95. Untersuchungen tiber die Entschelung der Missblidungen zunachst in den Eiren der Vogel. Arch. f. mikr. Anat. Bd. 45; pp. 654-692. LATEST INFORMATION REGARDING NATIONAL WAR EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION. The Advisory Council elected at the National Poultry Conference in Chicago in March met in Chicago on June 10th with 11 members present. Tentative constitution and by-laws were presented, and after hours of deliberation and much study, permanent by-laws- were unanimously adopted. The following extracts will be of interest as indicative of the aims and purposes of this national war emergency movement. The name selected is the National War Emergency Poultry Federation. The objects and purposes for which this organization has been formed a r e to promote, develop, foster; improve and protect the poultry industry - in the United States of America, during the period of the war, and in particular to effect such results through the agencies of investigation, education, cooperation and legislation. The principle office of the corporation was designated as New Brunswick, N. J., and the name of the agent designated as being in charge thereof is Harry R. Lewis. Five trustees were elected to form the corporation, as follows: Reese V. Hicks, A. G. Philips, E. E. Richards, H. R. Lewis, S. T. Edwards. Three types of members are recognized by the by-laws of the Federation, as follows: Annual Individual Members are per79
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at NERL on May 23, 2015
Prof. Reese of West Virginia University. The egg was laid by a white leghorn pullet between eleven and thirteen months old, which belonged to the West Virginia State Farm. It was collected May 13, 1917, and was studied three weeks later. When gathered the egg had not the full, rounded appearance seen in the photograph (Fig. 1) but as soft shelled eggs commonly are when found, the egg was covered only by the shell membrane which was flabby and loose around its contents. The egg was preserved in formalin and by osmosis probably, the preserving fluid passed into the egg and filled out the membrane to its present extent. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the egg seemed to be made up of two enlarged bulbous ends connected by a sort of neck The one end of the egg was opened and the darkened area seen is the yolk. This yolk, as can be seen in Fig. 2, y, was found only in the one end of the egg. Passing from the yolk and attached to one end of it, was a mass of albumen somewhat coiled in £,ppearance and resembling t h s ehalaza (Fig. 2, ii.). This passed thru ths neck of the egg to the other end. FIGURE 2. In order to examine the contents of the other end of the egg, a longitudinal incision was made in the egg membrane. The peripheral part of the contents was of soft, jelly-like albumen which had been coagulated by the formalin. Near the center was found a tough gelatinelike core, also of albumen, which appeared to be an extension of the chalazal mass of albumen from the yolk in the other end, (Fig. 2, a ) . This portion when further dissected appeared to be made up only of albumen. No trace of yolk was found in this end of the egg. No foreign matter, such as might be taken in by the oviduct, was found. A portion of the hardened albumen when seen in cross section seemed to be made up of spiral coils, but as this was the only portion found with that appearance, it could not be determined whether it was true of the whole toughened core. Since the yolk in one end of the egg did not have any indication of having been broken and since no trace of yolk was found in the other end, it would appear that the one end contained only albumen. Moreover the egg was studied comparatively soon after it was laid, so that there could have been no loss of yolk thru imperfect preservation. For this peculiar abnormality the following explanation might be offered. Some conbealed or hardened albumen may have stimulated the glands in the oviduct and the mass of albumen was secreted. This passed down toward the ithmus. Meanwhile a yolk, set free from the ovary, approached this albuminous portion causing an overlapping stimulation of the isthmus glands so that the shell membrane was formed over both, leaving the neck connecting the