Time of mating behavior by males from lines of chickens selected for high and low mating frequency

Male mating behavior was measured in lines of chickens selected for high or low mating frequency and in the randombred base population at various times throughout the day. Males were observed singly with flocks of five randombred hens for two 5-min trials at 0800, 1100, 1400, and 1700 hr. Behaviors measured were attempted mountings and completed matings. Line by time interactions were not significant. High-mating line males mated more than randombred controls, which mated more frequently than low-mating line males. The highest percentage of matings was completed in the late afternoon. Low-mating line males exhibited increased mating behavior with additional experience.