Cystic Remnants of the Right Müllerian Duct and Egg Production in Two Strains of White Leghorns

Abstract

TWO strains of Single Comb White Leghorns developed at Cornell University have been shown to differ in mortality caused by large cystic right oviducts (Williamson, 1963). Mortality from this disorder was 2.5 percent in Strain A versus 0.8 percent in Strain B. Both strains have been maintained as closed flocks for more than 24 years.Cystic remnants of the right Müllerian duct have been reported by numerous investigators (Willier, 1927; Domm, 1940; Blount, 1947; Webster, 1948; van Tienhoven, 1957; Winter, 1958; Sell, 1959). Various cases of complete or partial development of the right oviduct have been reported by other workers (see McBride, 1962).Morgan and Kohlmeyer (1957) reported well-developed right oviducts in an inbred line of Rhode Island Reds. Morgan and Greb (1959) suggested that the cause may be due to hormonal imbalance or specific tissue-regression suppressors. Sell (1959) reported a similar situation in White Plymouth Rock pullets. Van Tienhoven…