A Study of the Composition of the Normal and Hormone-Stimulated Oviduct of the Common Fowl, with Special Reference to Its Amino Acid and Nucleic Acid Content

IN VIEW of the importance of the oviduct for reproduction in the common fowl, more information on its composition may be of value. The most important aspect of oviduct function in the fowl is its implication in protein deposition in the egg, and information on its protein composition should be of interest in relation to this process. Buckner, Martin and Peter (1925) and Common (1938) have analyzed the oviduct in relation to mineral content, while Common (1938) has made a gross analysis of the oviducts of a limited number of pullets. Schenck (1932) made a study of oviduct protein based on protein separations and a small number of amino acids. Previous work in this Department has shown that in retarded oviduct growth resulting from folic acid deficiency, certain differences are apparent in respect of moisture and gross protein contents (Brown, 1953; Brown and Jackson, 1957). There are two main factors …