CHICK PRODUCTION BY IN-VITRO FERTILIZATION OF THE FOWL OVUM

The aim of this study was to produce viable chicks by in vitro fertili zation and transfer of fertilized ova to the oviduct of recipient hens . Out of a total of 76 transferred ova, 53 were laid with fully calcif ied shells, 31 of which were fertile (58%). Despite the high rate of e mbryonic loss, six live chicks were hatched from 12 fertile ova expose d to 0.05 mi of semen (1:200 dilution). Nine healthy chicks were hatch ed from ten control ova which were recovered from the oviduct followin g artificial insemination and subsequent transfer to recipient hens. T his experimental approach provides a useful model for production of tr ansgenic chicks.