Failure of Nembutal to Block Ovulation in the Hen

(1) Nembutal anesthesia was induced for periods of 2 and 12 hours in laying hens in an attempt to inhibit the normal release of LH. Ovulation occurred in more than 80% of the birds despite the length of anesthesia, indicating a release of the luteinizing hormone during the time of narcosis. (2) In a second experiment hens were anesthetized with Nembutal 1.5 to 6 hours and an attempt made to induce ovulation by progesterone. Ovulation was obtained in 100% of the birds anesthetized for 1.5 hours, in 80% of the birds anesthetized for 3 hours, and in 77% of the birds anesthetized for 6 hours. This compares favorably with the 83% ovulation noted in the control hens treated only with progesterone. It may be concluded that Nembutal-induced anesthesia does not interfere with the release of LH in the hen.