Some reproductive abnormalities in domestic fowls

Abstract

Of the 102328 birds presented to the avain ambulatory clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for diagnosis between March, 1976 and February, 1992, only 261 were found to have reproductive abnormalities. The abnormalities recorded were, oophoritis (39.2%), egg yolk peritonitis (11.9%), salphingitis (7.7%), rudimentary ovary (7.0%), ruptured ovary (2.8%), ectopic eggs (2.1%), hermophrodism (2.1%), oviduct discontinuity (1.4%), oviduct impaction (1.4%), atrophied (1.4%). cystic (1.4%) and ruptured oviduct (0.8%), sex reversal (0.7%) and regressed testis (0.7%). Most reproductive abnormalities occurred in the second phase of egg production except rudimentary ovary which was common in the first phase of egg production. The results also showed that most of the cases of reproductive disorders were recorded in improved (exotic) breed of chickens and only a few cases were recorded in local birds. Oophoritis, egg yolk peritonitis and salphingitis were found to be the most important reproductive abnormalities of domestic fowls. These conditions are usually caused by infectious agents like bacteria and viruses, which can be controlled by very good management practices.

Keywords: Birds, abnormalities, phase, egg, production, reproduction