Repeatability Estimates and Quantification of Uterovaginal Sperm—Host Gland Numbers and Population Patterns

Abstract

Estimates were made of the numbers of uterovaginal sperm-host glands containing spermatozoa after artificial insemination. Repeatability estimates and intrabird variations were calculated. Data indicated that a single microscopic observation could accurately characterize a particular oviduct. Gravitational influences did not affect the spermatozoal distribution within the oviduct. Highly significant differences were found between a broiler strain and an egg-laying strain of chickens for all characterization categories.