SPERMATOGENESIS IN THE DOMESTIC FOWL

Abstract

A propionic-cartnine smear technique in conjunction with a new killing fluid has been used in this study of avian chromosomes. As a result of our observations we have been led to separate the chromosomes of the domestic fowl into two categories: the macro-chromosomes and the accessory chromosomes. These categories differ in morphology, size, behavior, structure and also, perhaps, in genetic significance. The chromosome number of the fowl is not constant because of the fusion and fragmentation exhibited by the accessory chromosomes. The accessory chromosomes are largely heterochromatic and may not possess a discrete kinetochore. This study is to be followed by one on the somatic chromosomes of the same breed of fowl.