Grade. 

 Date.. 



EXERCISE 20 

 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF THE HEN 



Object. To dissect and study in detail the reproductive system of the 

 hen and to become familiar with the process of egg formation. 



Equipment. A number of hens (1) one or more in laying condition, (2) 

 one immature pullet, and (3) one old hen, very fat. 



Procedure. Study these three different types of specimens as follows: 



Step 1. Open the birds for post-mortem inspection as directed in Ex- 

 ercise 19. Remove organs of digestion and circulation carefully, exposing 

 the reproductive system. 



Step 2. Study in detail the location, size and appearance of the ova- 

 ries and oviduct in each specimen. Take complete notes regarding them. 

 Where possible a number of birds should be studied in respect to ovarian 

 development. 



Ovaries and Ovules 



* A large ovule should be at least one-quarter of an inch in diameter. 



Step 3. Carefully dissect the ovary and count the number of ovules (a 

 hand lens will be a help hi counting the small ones). Note the variation hi 

 size and color. 



Step 4. Carefully dissect the oviduct and remove to the dissecting 



tray. Note external appearance of the different sections. 

 74 



