In a series of three replicated experiments, dwarf hens were inseminated with semen of one phenotype (normal or dwarf) and then reinseminated 4 hr later with semen of the other phenotype. All eggs were pedigree-hatched for two weeks following the inseminations. Subsequent phenotypic determinations of the progeny demonstrated a preponderance of offspring from the latter insemination. The results suggested that spermatozoa sequentially filled the uterovaginal sperm-host glands which produced a permanent stratification of sperm cells, and mixing did not occur within a gland. Emptying of the host-glands appeared to follow a pattern of slow superficial leakage where spermatozoa from the second insemination were the first spermatozoa released, giving rise to the large number of progeny phenotypes from the second insemination. In addition, progeny phenotypes from the second insemination were predominant throughout the fertility period suggesting that the storage capacity of the uterovaginal sperm-host glands can exceed the functional life span of stored spermatozoa following a normal insemination.

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The ultrastructure of the uterovaginal (UV) sperm storage glands of fertile turkey breeder hens was characterized. Sperm glands were also studied over the course of an entire egg-laying season to determine if changes in ultrastructure occurred with time. In addition, ultrastructural comparisons were made between glands from fertile and infertile hens. Protein synthesis by the sperm gland epithelial cells appeared to be limited. The rough endoplasmic reticulum was not well developed. Intracellular glycogen storage was also minimal. However, lipid stores within the epithelial cells were relatively elevated. The degree of development of the apical microvilli and the presence of baso-lateral plasma membrane folds suggested that a primary function of the glandular epithelium was absorption. The length of time that a hen had been producing eggs did not influence the ultrastructure of UV gland epithelial cells. The morphology of glands from hens collected immediately prior to the commencement of egg production was similar to that of glands taken from hens that had completed an entire season of egg production. Aside from the observation that very few spermatozoa were found in the UV sperm glands of infertile hens, no detectable ultrastructural differences were observed between glands from fertile and infertile hens. Furthermore, there was no ultrastructural evidence of a microbial infection, nor was there evidence of an immunological response at the level of the sperm glands in the infertile hens.

Autoradiography with 3H-labeled spermatozoa was utilized to study spermatozoal oviductal interrelationships. Results demonstrated that sperm displacement from the uterovaginal sperm-host glands did not occur in domestic fowl. Furthermore, there was no indication that phagocytosis of labeled spermatozoa by sperm gland epithelium occurred. Associated studies demonstrated that extensive head-to-head agglutination occurred between freshly ejaculated spermatozoa, but the ability to agglutinate was lost as the sperm cells aged. On the basis of these observations, it was proposed that agglutination may be the basic mechanism controlling sperm storage and release from the uterovaginal sperm-host glands. A working model to this effect was presented.