Sistema Reprodutor Feminino de Gallus gallus domesticus

Abstract

Eggs are one of the most cost-effective foods on the market, as they are nutritionally rich and, when compared to other protein sources, have a very low cost. Large-scale egg production is due to knowledge related to egg laying, which is mostly done by domestic hens. Understanding and disseminating information about the egg formation process is of great importance to the market, and this was the objective of the work developed by academics in the extension project "Knowing, respecting and producing birds: didactic and alternative models in the teaching and learning process," which is linked to the Comparative Anatomy of Domestic Animals (BA066) course of the Zootechnics program at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR). The material developed presented general aspects of the female reproductive system of Gallus gallus domesticus, highlighting mainly its divisions, which consist of a single functional ovary (left) and a single segmented oviduct, with each division having a function in egg formation. The main structures of this system and their respective functions are: (1) Ovary - where follicles (yolks) are formed; (2) Infundibulum - captures the ovum and is the site of possible fertilization; (3) Magnum - region responsible for the formation of the albumen (egg white); (4) Isthmus – where the yolks are produced. (5) Inner shell membranes; (6) Uterus - site of shell formation and pigment deposition; (7) Vagina – conducts the formed egg to the cloaca; (8) Cloaca - final chamber through which the egg exits the body. In addition to detailed explanations of how egg formation occurs, the work also included adapted figures demonstrating the location of each segment, in order to provide a better morphological understanding of this very important system.