Journal article
Evidence of sperm storage in the female ostrich
Australian Veterinary Journal, Vol.77(10), pp.649-650
1999
Abstract
Design
A clinical reproductive problem in a pair of breeding ostriches provided the opportunity to mate the birds at intervals of 5 to 8 days and assess the fertility of the eggs laid.
Procedure
Following prolapse of the phallus of the male ostrich during the breeding season, the pair were immediately separated. The hen was reintroduced to the cock at intervals of 5 to 8 days over a 6 week period for supervised mating. Records were kept of dates of mating and laying, number of eggs laid, egg weights, and fertility determined by candling after 2 weeks incubation.
Results
Over the 6 week period, 10 eggs were laid, of which 8 were fertile and 2 infertile. Fertile eggs weighed 1020 to 1285 g (mean 1143). The two infertile eggs weighed 1160 and 925 g. Six fertile eggs were laid 2 to 7 days after mating. The remaining two fertile eggs were laid the same days that mating occurred, suggesting that fertilisation resulted from the last matings 5 and 8 days previously, or from earlier matings.
Conclusion
Sperm storage occurs in ostrich hens and fertile eggs can be laid for at least 5 to 8 days after copulation. Further studies are required to demonstrate the maximum period during which stored sperm are capable of successful fertilisation.
Details
- Title
- Evidence of sperm storage in the female ostrich
- Authors/Creators
- R.A. Swan (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityO. Sicouri (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
- Publication Details
- Australian Veterinary Journal, Vol.77(10), pp.649-650
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Identifiers
- 991005541452707891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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Source: InCites
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InCites Highlights
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- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.81 Reproductive Biology
- 1.81.176 Male Fertility
- Web Of Science research areas
- Veterinary Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Plant & Animal Science