THE HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATION OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE WHITE LEGHORN CHICKEN

Abstract

The pH values of the mucosa of the various parts of the oviduct of White Leghorn hens, egg white and semen of White Leghorn [male][male], were determined colorimetrically. The spermatozoa existing normally in an alkaline secretion must travel 60 cm. through an organ acid in reaction before fertilizing the ova. Egg albumen as excreted in the oviduct is slightly acid in reaction, as is the tissue that secretes it. The mucosa of the isthmus and uterus of laying hens is more acid than in non-laying hens, which suggests the possibility that this difference in acidity is associated with the formation of the shell membranes and the eggshell.