Effect of age and physiological status on sperm storage 24 hours after artificial insemination in broiler breeder hens

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Abstract
1. Uterovaginal junction (UVJ) tissues were collected 24 h after artificial insemination (AI) from 85‐ and 125‐week‐old broiler breeder hens in three physiological states: laying hard shell eggs (HS), laying shell‐less eggs (SL) and non‐laying (NL). This was confirmed by egg production records and visual appraisal of the oviduct at the time of necropsy. 2. Three longitudinal sections of each UVJ were evaluated microscopically and sperm host glands (SHG) were scored in 5 categories: glandular morphology evident but not lumen present, basophilic stained epithelium and no spermatoza present, glands that contained one to five spermatozoa; glands that contained 6 to 20 spermatozoa and glands that contained more than 20 spermatozoa. 3. Laying hens (HS and SL) at 85 weeks of age had significantly more sperm host glands (SHG) containing spermatozoa than NL hens. At 125 weeks of age HS and SL hens had significantly more unscorable glands. 4. The only category that showed no difference between age and physiological status group was the empty category. No significant differences were observed for any gland category in 82‐ and 125‐week‐old NL hens. 5. A greater proportion of the 85‐week‐old group of HS and SL hens had more SHG containing spermatozoa and fewer unscorable glands that the 125‐week‐old birds. The only category that showed any difference within the SL group was the low category.