Studies of Cystic Right Oviducts in Two Strains of White Leghorns

Abstract

TWO strains of Single Comb White Leghorns developed at Cornell University, and on which complete records have been kept for many years, have repeatedly shown differences in the incidence of mortality caused by cystic right oviducts.Strain-A females have approximately three times the frequency of deaths caused by cystic right oviducts as do those of Strain B. At autopsy these hens are characterized by excessive weight, large swollen abdomens, and some degree of emaciation. When opened, a large cyst is observed to fill the abdominal cavity (Figure 1). The viscera are usually pushed forward and to the left. A live bird with a large cystic right oviduct shows the same general characteristics and has a penguin-like stance which makes walking difficult (Figure 2).These two strains of Leghorns have been the subject of various other studies in recent years. Gowe (1947 Gowe (1949) found that Strain A was 18 percent lower in…