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Abstract
Avian egg yolks provide key nutrients and energy reserves for a growing embryo. While yolk composition and the mechanisms responsible for yolk deposition are well-studied, the factors affecting the rate of yolk deposition are less well known. We hypothesized that social interactions surrounding the female, as well as the hormones that respond to those interactions, should influence the rate of follicle growth. We tested whether exogenous testosterone treatment influenced yolk deposition rates in laying hens. We observed a significant decrease in yolk deposition rates and the number of eggs laid, as well as a significant increase in yolk weights. We also tested whether exposure to potential mates influenced yolk deposition rates in laying hens, and we observed a significant decrease in the rate of yolk deposition. Future studies will help develop our understanding of the effects of female testosterone and male exposure on yolk deposition rates.