The Digestive and Reproductive Systems of Chicken and Duck | LAB EX 3

Laboratory Exercise No. 3

The Digestive and Reproductive system of Chicken and Duck

A. INTRODUCTION

A. The digestive system

The digestive system includes the digestive tract and its associated
glands. This tract is a tubular structure for the ingestion and digestion of food,
it has an ultimate purpose of providing efficient assimilation of nutrients
necessary for life. The gastro-intestinal tract provides the most readily
accessible route for substances through a variety of mechanisms, including
food selection (palatability) , rapid rejection of toxic substances before they
have access to the more permeable intestinal tract. Knowledge of the
comparative anatomy and physiology of the digestive system of different
species of farm animals is a necessity in providing proper care and more
efficient and economical animal production.
The function of the digestive system is to digest what is being eaten by
the animal. In poultry, they both eat concentrate and grass ., they have two
well developed ceca where the grass they eat are fermented through the aid
of bacteria that facilitate microbial digestion.
The structures of the digestive system of chicken: from the mouth,in
chicken is beak ,(pick up and tear food), bill (filters food) in ducks, ;
esophagus is a tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus
in poultry has a diverticulum where it stores food for partial fermentation,
grains are softened before they enter into the gizzard where the grains and
grits are ground / copmpressed to form into absorbable ingesta, squirted back
to the proventriculus (true stomach , where digestive enzymes are present)
located above the gizzard or the ventriculus ,then through a bypass groove
from the proventriculus the ingesta flows into the (duodenum, jejunum and
ilium) small intestines, then the food that needs further digestion are directed
to the ceca where microbial digestion occurs, then through the short large
intestine to the cloaca,the common passage way for the digestive,
reproductive and urinary system

B. The Reproductive system

The usual form of reproduction in farm animals is the sexual reproduction
where the female and male reproductive organs are involved in the
process of propagation. The union of sex cells ovum and sperm cell are
involved to form a new individual.

The female reproductive organ .

a. The principal sex organs of the female are the ovaries. They have two
main functions: 1.) production of cell or ovum and 2) production of
female sex hormone- estrogen. The female reproductive system

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 The Digestive and Reproductive Systems of Chicken and Duck | LAB EX 3

includes the pair of ovaries in mammals and in birds they only have
the ovaries such as in chicken and duck.
b. The accessory reproductive tract includes the infundibulum, oviducts,
uterus (horn and body in mammals, only body in birds), cervix, vagina
and vulva.
c. Oviduct is the tubular structure connecting the infundibulum to the
uterus. Its main function ,passage way of the egg to the uterus
d. Uterus in birds – where formation of the egg takes place
e. Cloaca- serves as reservoir for semen and is the common passage
way of urine, feces, and egg.
f. The poultry reproductive system:
i. The reproductive system of hens consist of the ovary and oviduct.
The ovary has left and right but only the left is functional. The
ovary is made up of cluster of yolks or ova in varying stages of
development, from the size of a small dot to the size of normal
eggyolk. Each of these yolk is contained in a thin sac or follicle,
capable of developing to a normal yolk. Upon attaining the
normal size, a yolk breaks from the sac to fall into the funnel,
the oviduct that opens into the cloaca. This organ comprises the
five succession of parts where the yolk or ova falls.
a. Infundibulum-receives the yolk in 10 minutes
b. Magnum secretes albumen (main bulk) and stays there for 3
hours
c. Isthmus produces two shell membrane. Egg stays for 1 hour,
(egg still incomplete)
d. Uterus where egg shells is formed, stays for 20 hours
e. Vagina, addition of blood that seals the eggs porous shell.
f. Cloaca- releases/ lays the egg
g. With or without the cock, the female produces egg.. when
they are raised together, they produce fertile eggs.

The male reproductive system

a. Main sex organ is the testis. In birds, the two testes are located within
the body cavity in the dorsolumbar region. The testis is the site of
spermatogenesis. The main function of testes, is to produce sperm
cells and production of the hormone, testosterone.

B. OBJECTIVES

In this exercise, students are expected to:

1. Point out the different parts of the organs of the digestive system and
reproductive system of the chicken and ducks
2. Explain the basic processes of digestion in birds
3. Understand the process of egg formation in birds
4. Know the function of the different parts of the digestive system and
reproductive system of birds

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 The Digestive and Reproductive Systems of Chicken and Duck | LAB EX 3

C. METHODOLOGY
1. 1. Research through the internet the digestive organs, its part and function
of birds.
2. 2. Students will be asked to open/ dissect a female and male mature
chicken to see the digestive and reproductive organs.
3. 3. The students will be ask also to dissect a duck to see the modified
esophagus of the duck compared to the diverticulum or crop in chicken.
4. Students will be ask to identify the parts and give the function of each.
5. Students will draw and label the organs of the digestive system of birds
(chicken and duck) and the organs of the reproductive system of birds

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 The Digestive and Reproductive Systems of Chicken and Duck | LAB EX 3

Name: Adrian Lou I. Cabañez Locker No.

Co-Worker/s: Program:

Date Performed:

Date Due:
___ October 2020
Attendance:

Objectives Data/Results:

Analysis/Discussion
1. Point out the different parts and know the functions
of the organs of the digestive and reproductive Conclusion:
system of the chicken and duck.
2. Explain the basic process of digestion in birds Performance
3. Understand the process of egg formation
Total:

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 The Digestive and Reproductive Systems of Chicken and Duck | LAB EX 3

D. RESULTS.
1. Draw and label the different organs of the digestive system of duck and
chicken. Give the important function of each part

 Esophagus- It facilitates the passage of food from the mouth to the crop
 Crop- The crop serves as a temporary storage organ, allowing birds to
ingest large amounts of food quickly and then digest it gradually.
 Liver- It plays an important role in digestion and metabolism, regulating the
production, storage, and release of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins.
 Gall Bladder- Stores bile, a thick liquid that's produced by the liver to helps
the chicken to digest.
 Proventriculus- This glandular stomach secretes digestive enzymes to
break down food chemically.
 Gizzard- The gizzard is a muscular organ that grinds food mechanically
with the help of grit swallowed by the bird.
 Small intestine- Nutrient absorption primarily occurs in the small
intestine.
 Cloaca- The cloaca is the only hole for the reproductive and digestive
system of a chicken. The cloaca, also known as the vent, is where chickens
poop from where the eggs come out, and where they also mate with a
rooster.
 Ceca- These are pouches connected to the junction of the small and
large intestines, aiding in the fermentation of undigested material.

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 The Digestive and Reproductive Systems of Chicken and Duck | LAB EX 3

2. Draw and label the different parts of the organs of the reproductive
system of the female and male chicken. Give the important function of
each part

Male:
 Testis- Responsible for producing sperm.
 Vas Deferens- The vas deferens is the duct through which sperm are
transported from the testes.
 Cloaca- The cloaca is the only hole for the reproductive and digestive
system of a chicken. The cloaca, also known as the vent, is where chickens
poop from where the eggs come out, and where they also mate with a
rooster.

Female:
 Cloaca- The cloaca is the only hole for the reproductive and digestive
system of a chicken. The cloaca, also known as the vent, is where chickens
poop from where the eggs come out, and where they also mate with a
rooster.
 Oviduct- It secrete substances that form other parts of the egg, such as the
albumen (egg white) and the shell.
 Uterus- The main function of the uterus is to provide a suitable environment
for fetal development.
 Ureter- Ureters carry the urinary waste to the cloaca
 Ovary- Produces eggs

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 The Digestive and Reproductive Systems of Chicken and Duck | LAB EX 3

3. Describe the process of egg formation in chicken

The formation of eggs in chickens comprises distinct stages:

1. Ovulation-The hen's ovary releases a mature egg yolk into the oviduct.

2. Infundibulum- This oviduct segment, the infundibulum, potentially allows

fertilization if mating has occurred. It briefly holds the released egg.

3. Magnum-In this oviduct section, egg white (albumen) is added around the egg.

4. Isthmus-The isthmus adds protective membranes to the egg.

5. Uterus (Shell Gland)-The shell gland secretes the eggshell material over
about 20 hours, determining its characteristics.

6. Vagina-The completed egg is laid through the cloaca, including the vagina.

The entire process, from ovulation to egg laying, takes approximately 24-26
hours. It's noteworthy that if the egg is unfertilized, the hen still undergoes the
egg formation process.

E. GUIDE QUESTIONS
1. What is the importance of knowing the anatomy of the digestive system
of the chicken and the duck? . explain

- Knowing the digestive system anatomy of chickens and ducks is essential for
poultry farmers. It allows them to improve feeding methods, address health
concerns, and boost productivity. Familiarity with structures such as the crop,
gizzard, and ceca assists in creating suitable diets, preventing digestive
issues, and ensuring effective nutrient absorption. This knowledge not only
helps prevent diseases but also enhances the overall health of the birds,
positively influencing the quality of poultry products.

2. What is the importance of knowing the reproductive system of the male

and female birds? Explain.

- Knowing the reproductive systems of male and female birds is vital for
controlled breeding, allowing farmers to select desired genetic traits.
Familiarity with reproductive anatomy aids in optimizing fertility, monitoring
health, and implementing strategies for improved hatch ability. Furthermore,
this knowledge helps in detecting and preventing diseases, ensuring the
overall health of the flock and continuous production of robust offspring.

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 The Digestive and Reproductive Systems of Chicken and Duck | LAB EX 3

3. What are the functions of the different parts of the organs of the
digestive and reproductive system of poultry. explain

- The digestive system in poultry consists of various organs, each serving

specific functions:

Beak and Mouth: These are involved in picking and comprehending food.

Esophagus: It facilitates the passage of food from the mouth to the crop.

Crop: The crop serves as a temporary storage organ, allowing birds to ingest
large amounts of food quickly and then digest it gradually.

Proventriculus: This glandular stomach secretes digestive enzymes to break

down food chemically.

Gizzard: The gizzard is a muscular organ that grinds food mechanically with the
help of grit swallowed by the bird.

Small Intestine: Nutrient absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine.

Ceca: These are pouches connected to the junction of the small and large
intestines, aiding in the fermentation of undigested material.

Large Intestine (Colon): Water absorption and the formation of feces take place
here.

The reproductive system in poultry involves different parts with specific functions:

Testes (Male)-Responsible for producing sperm.

Ovary (Female)-Produces eggs.

Incunabulum- Collects the released egg from the ovary.

Magnum-Adds the egg white (albumen) to the forming egg.

Isthmus-Adds the shell membranes to the developing egg.

Uterus (Shell Gland)-Secretes the shell around the egg.

Vagina-Acts as a passageway for eggs to be laid.

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 The Digestive and Reproductive Systems of Chicken and Duck | LAB EX 3

4. What is the main reason of knowing the process of egg formation of

chickens. explain.

-Understanding the egg formation process in chickens is vital for poultry

management and efficiency. Key reasons include optimizing egg production
through proper nutrition, early detection of health issues, implementing
effective reproductive strategies, maintaining quality control, and enhancing
economic efficiency. In summary, this knowledge is essential for promoting
flock health, productivity, and the sustainable, high-quality production of eggs.

F. LEARNING/INSIGHTS

Comprehending the structure of birds' digestive systems aids in identifying

necessary nutrient requirements for successful production. A solid grasp of the
anatomy and function of crucial reproductive system organs is key to
implementing optimal management practices in poultry production.

G.CONCLUSION

-To sum up, the process of egg formation in chickens is a carefully coordinated
series that includes ovulation, the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus (shell
gland), and vagina. Each part of the oviduct contributes distinct elements to form
a fully developed egg. This entire process, lasting around 24-26 hours, occurs
irrespective of whether the egg is fertilized. This knowledge holds significant
importance for poultry farmers and researchers, offering valuable insights into
reproductive management, nutritional needs, and the broader context of egg
production in chickens.

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 The Digestive and Reproductive Systems of Chicken and Duck | LAB EX 3

H. REFERENCES

https://poultry.extension.org/articles/poultry-anatomy/avian-digestive-
system/?fbclid=IwAR0JNLLZRcfdwX4lwQMiAPMOltJY8BQ4yt9vQQkat4
9z_lqfIm0aQGSAgbo
https://www.msdvetmanual.com/reproductive-system/reproductive-system-
introduction/the-reproductive-system-in-
animals?fbclid=IwAR0L4WXfxIpaka2F-X8W-
BrE6nNJm2o7NMgyvAx2vzlSUcUoU7f1Sc53AOI
https://www.nutrenaworld.com/blog/the-poultry-digestive-
system?fbclid=IwAR0H_wfgjsrnqbV3HqXsnHYDVqjZX6bxubbEFXtYCYd
zGQilZCNJTOgH_Ho
https://www.purinamills.com/chicken-feed/education/detail/how-do-chickens-lay-
eggs-understanding-your-egg-laying-
chickens?fbclid=IwAR2eANX_6XbSwQcDwM-
K8khUtLxjeXQXu9hEbGeqoltQ1grFGB08TKMk7cs
https://www.getstronganimals.com/post/chicken-anatomy-
101#:~:text=Cloaca%3A%20The%20cloaca%20is%20the,they%20mate
%20with%20a%20rooster.

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