Distribution of Spermatozoa in the Oviduct and Fertility in Domestic Birds

Summary. Effects on embryonic development of inseminating normally into the vagina and directly into the anterior oviduct were compared in the domestic hen. Insemination into the anterior oviduct led to a higher incidence of early mortality, severe retardation and other abnormalities of the embryo. These effects were overbalanced by an increased fertile period, so that a larger number of live chicks was obtained following a single insemination into the anterior oviduct than following an insemination into the vagina.