Incubation Temperatures of Canada Geese

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Abstract
Methods were devised using a Leeds and North -rup Pyrometer, with a scale reading 0[degree] to 150 [degree]C, a switch panel, 7 pairs of leads (each 150 ft. long) with hot wire thermocouples, and a cold junction in a thermos bottle of ice and water at 0[degree]C. A veterinary-type clinical thermometer and a standard mercury thermometer were used to obtain the temps. of the top and bottom surfaces of Canada goose (Branta canadensis) eggs during incubation, the temp. of the developing embryo, the temp. of the breast of the incubating bird and the maximum temp. reached in the nest at any time while the bird was on the nest. In 1 instance the thermocouple junction was in the air cell compartment of the egg when the embryo pipped through the shell. The average incubation temp. of the embryo was 101.3[degree]F, and the temp. rises with the development of the embryo. The av. shell temp. was 100.4[degree]F. The construction of the nest is a vital factor in regards to the top and bottom temp. The av. breast temp. of the incubating goose is 101.1 [degree]F. The av. maximum temp. reached in the nest 101.5[degree]F and the av. incubation period 26 days. There is a slight variation among various birds. A few cloacal temps. were taken of incubating, post-incubating and non-breeding geese. The incubating birds having the lowest temps., the non-breeding the highest temps.

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