Dynamics of ovarian follicles in breeding ducks

Abstract

I quantified ovarian rapid follicle growth (RFG) and regression of postovulatory follicles of Northern Pintails ( Anas acuta ), American Wigeon ( A. americana ), and Lesser Scaup ( Aythya affinis ) by a method that accounted for within-day variation in follicle size. Objective methods for identifying onset of RFG also are presented; this is crucial for accurate classification of breeding status. Duration of RFG was estimated as 4.2, 5.1, and 5.0 days for pintails, wigeon, and scaup, respectively; these are shorter than previously reported. Diameters of follicles at the beginning of RFG were estimated to be 8.2, 6.9, and 7.9 mm for pintails, wigeon, and scaup, respectively. For all species, RFG was linear, using follicle diameters, and exponential, using dry masses. Models of RFG and postovulatory follicle regression have practical value for calculating nest initiation dates, number of developing follicles, clutch size, renesting intervals, and daily energy and nutrient commitment to reproduction of collected breeding females.