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Title: Comparisons of Sperm Storage Tubule Distribution and Number in Four Strains of Mature Broiler Breeders and in Turkey Hens Before and After the Onset of Photostimulation

Author
item Bakst, Murray
item Donoghue, Ann - Annie
item YOHO, D - University Of Arkansas
item MOYLE, J - Coconut Research Institute Of Sri Lanka
item WHIPPLE, S - University Of Arkansas
item Camp, Mary
item LIU, G - Former ARS Employee
item BRAMWELL, R - Yangzhou University

Submitted to: Poultry Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/27/2010
Publication Date: 2/16/2010
Citation: Bakst, M.R., Donoghue, A.M., Yoho, D.E., Moyle, J.R., Whipple, S.M., Camp, M.J., Liu, G.Q., Bramwell, R.K. 2010. Comparisons of sperm storage tubule distribution and number in four strains of mature broiler breeders and in turkey hens before and after the onset of photostimulation. Poultry Science. 89:986-992.

Interpretive Summary: The biological basis of sustained fertility in broiler and turkey hens is their capacity to store sperm after mating or artificial insemination in discrete tubules called the sperm storage tubules (SSTs) located in the distal end of the oviduct. The objectives of this study were to determine if the numbers of SST varied between four strains of broiler breeders and determine the number of SSTs in the turkey before (less than 9 days of photostimulation - that is, the necessary duration of light to induce egg production in the hen) and after photostimulation (up to 22 days of photostimulation and in egg production). No statistical differences were observed in SST numbers in the four strains of broilers examined or in turkey hens before and after the onset of egg production. The mean numbers of SSTs for broilers was 4,893 and turkeys 30,566. We conclude that any differences between the fertility of the four broiler breeder strains examined cannot be explained by differences in SST numbers. However, differences in the duration of fertility between broilers and turkeys are, in part, related to their respective numbers of number of SSTs. Furthermore, we conclude that turkey SSTs are fully differentiated and functional before the onset of photostimulation and while the oviduct is morphologically undeveloped. This information is important to scientists examining poultry fertility and infertility and to producers interested in maintaining optimal fertility in their commercial breeders.

Technical Abstract: The biological basis of sustained fertility in broiler and turkey hens is their capacity to store sperm in the oviductal sperm storage tubules (SSTs) located in the uterovaginal junction. The objectives of this study were to determine if the numbers of SST varied between four strains of broiler breeders and determine the number of SSTs in the turkey before (less than 9 days of photostimulation) and after photostimulation (up to 22 days of photostimulation and laying). No statistical differences were observed in SST numbers in the four strains of broilers examined or in turkey hens before and after the onset of egg production. The mean numbers of SSTs for broilers and turkeys were 4,893 and 30,566, respectively. We conclude that any differences between the fertility of the four broiler breeder strains examined cannot be explained by differences in SST numbers. However, differences in the duration of fertility between broilers and turkeys are, in part, related to their respective numbers of number of SSTs. Furthermore, we conclude that turkey SSTs are fully differentiated and functional before the onset of photostimulation and while the oviduct is morphologically undeveloped.