Quantitative Changes in the Hen’s Oviduct Associated with Egg Formation

IN A previous report (Smith et al., 1957), the weight of the oviduct in the normal laying hen was compared with the secretory state of the magnum, as estimated by the position and condition of eggs found in the oviduct on autopsy. The oviduct was considered “pre-secretory” if it contained a hard-shelled uterine egg since these birds, if not sacrificed, soon would have deposited albumen on a new egg; it was considered “post-secretory” when a soft-shelled uterine or isthmian eggs were found. Assuming that albumen is accumulated in the magnum during the intersecretory period (as is indicated by histological findings; Richardson, 1935), one would expect the weight of the “pre-secretory” oviduct to exceed that of the “post-secretory” oviduct by approximately the weight of the deposited albumen (i.e., 20 gms.). Since this anticipated difference in oviduct weight was not found (Smith et al., 1957), another experiment, reported herein, was carried out …