The sperm storage capacity in hens was correlated with the morphological differences of the oviduct and uterus-vagina junction.

ABSTRACT

The fertilization rate is an important index to evaluate the reproductive capacity of hens, which is mainly affected by semen quality, timing of artificial insemination (AI), and the ability to store sperm. A high sperm storage (SS) capacity can extend the interval, reduce the frequency, and decrease the labor costs of AI. However, relatively few studies have investigated the SS capacity of hens. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to identify factors influencing the SS capacity of Guangxi partridge chickens and to explore the impact of the sperm count in different sections of the oviduct and sperm storage tubules (SSTs), in addition to the number and surface area of SSTs on SS capacity at different time points after AI. We found that SS capacity was positively correlated to the egg production rate (P < 0.01) and body length (P < 0.05). On post-AI days 5, 10, and 15, the sperm count was higher in uterus-vagina junction (UVJ) than the magnum, isthmus, and infundibulum (P < 0.01), but gradually decreased over time. Also, the duration of SS and the sperm count of the UVJ was greater in the high SS group than the low SS group (P < 0.05). Histopathological analysis of the UVJ showed that the number and surface area of the SSTs (P < 0.01), as well as the proportion of SSTs containing sperm, were greater in the high SS group at all time points post AI (P < 0.01), while the proportion of SSTs containing sperm gradually decreased over time. Collectively, these results highlight the potential for selective breeding of SS capacity and show that SS capacity is related to laying performance and body length of Guangxi partridge hens. In addition, SS capacity was positively correlated to the surface area of SSTs and the proportion containing sperm. A greater sperm count stored in the UVJ was correlated to more sperm transported to the infundibulum and subsequent greater SS capacity of hens.