Characterization of Oviduct Lining, with Emphasis on the Sperm Storage Tubule Region (Uterovaginal Junction), Correlated with Fertility in Mature and Old Thai Native Hens

Abstract

The effect of age on fertility was investigated in Thai native chickens. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of age (mature and old) on the morphological characteristics of the reproductive organs and the histological characteristics of the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) tissues, resident sperm in the UVJ, and fertility duration in Thai native hens. We found no differences in the morphological characteristics of the reproductive organs, except for the number of follicles and the sizes of the fifth large yellow follicle in mature hens, which were greater than those in old hens (p < 0.05). The diameter of the sperm storage tubules (SSTs) epithelium was larger in old hens than in mature hens (p < 0.05), whereas the epithelium height was lower in old hens (p < 0.05). The number of sperm in the SSTs was greater in mature hens compared with old hens (p < 0.05). Mature hens showed a higher fertility rate than old hens. Our results suggest that, in old hens, the function of the SSTs is impaired, and sperm cannot be retained. Such a deterioration of the SSTs may be one of the factors involved in the decline in fertility.

Fertilizing ability and survivability of rooster sperm diluted with a novel semen extender supplemented with serine for practical use on smallholder farms

“…The fertilizing ability is related to the quality of diluted and stored semen. Once sperm cells are introduced into the female's cloaca, they are transported to the uterine junction of the oviduct and stored for a longer period in the sperm storage tubules ( SSTs ), depending on the species ( Holt and Fazeli, 2016 ) or the characterization of these regions ( Kheawkanha et al., 2021 ). Generally, SSTs hold a high number of sperm for 24 to 48 h after insemination with less than 2% of an inseminated dose of 100 to 200 million sperm ( Brillard, 1992 ).…”

Combining Abilities, Heterosis, Growth Performance, and Carcass Characteristics in a Diallel Cross from Black-Bone Chickens and Thai Native Chickens

“…Meanwhile, Thai native chicken has been appreciated by consumers for the flavor and texture of tender meat [23,24]. In addition, the Thai native chicken line called Pradu Hang dum was developed, and their genetics were improved until satisfying the growth performance, egg production, and fertility [25][26][27][28][29], resulting in promotion by the Network Center for Animal Breeding and Omics Research (NCAB), Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. Therefore, crossbreeding programs are preferred to utilize the sound characteristics of those chickens to possibly exploit the phenomenon of heterosis to evolve a more resistant hybrid chicken including the upgrading local types with suitable exotic ones.…”

Determining the Fertility Characteristics of Iraqi Local Chickens by Studying the Variance in the Characteristics of Semen

“…This positive effect of selenium on semen properties is due to its ability to inhibit the expression of the ACE gene [39]. Aging leads to impaired fertility characteristics as [40] found in a study of domestic Thai chickens that the fertility rate was higher in mature chickens than in older chickens, where SSTs function impaired and cannot retain sperm due to morphological changes that occur on the genitals and histological characteristics of utero vaginal junction (UVJ) tissues. In different tissues with higher specific efficiency in the testes and epididymis, high concentrations of ACE were observed, and because of this high concentration, it was found to have an important role in spermatogenesis, motility and density and thus fertility [41].…”