Relationship Between Onset of Egg Production and Plasma Cholesterol Levels in the Chicken. ∗

Summary

Plasma cholesterol levels have been studied as a function of age and onset of egg production in Leghorn pullets. Following a highly significant increase of 146% with peak value corresponding closely to time of first egg, plasma cholesterol decreases significantly from peak value to 79% above initial value. It is suggested that this relationship be considered when choosing birds for experimental studies on cholesterol metabolism.