Worksheets
SUBJECT: Agricultural Science
LEVEL: Forms 4 & 5
TOPIC: The Hen’s Reproductive System
CSEC Agricultural Science Syllabus
Section C: Animal Production
- Animal genetics, breeding and reproduction
Specific objective(s):
4.8 Relate the structure of the parts of an egg to its function
Reproductive organs of the hen (ovary and oviduct)
Table 1: Functions of various sections of the hen’s oviduct
Section of oviduct | Approximate time egg spends in this section | Functions of section of oviduct |
1. Funnel (infundibulum) | 15 minutes | Receives yolk from ovary. |
2. Magnum | 3 hours | Albumen and chalaza are secreted and layered around the yolk |
3. Isthmus | 1 hour | Inner and outer shell membranes are added, along with some water and mineral salts |
4. Shell gland (uterus) | 21 hours | Some water is added, along with the shell material (mainly calcium carbonate). Pigments may also be added to make the shell brown |
5. Vagina/ cloaca | less than 1 minute | The egg passes through this section before laying. |
Abnormalities in Egg Formation
- Double Yolk Egg
- Soft Shelled Egg
- Yolkless Egg
Review Questions 1. Summarize the process of egg formation using one of the following:
2. Which stage would you consider the most important in the egg formation process? 3. How often would you get eggs from your layers and why? 4. Use the internet to research the following abnormalities in egg formation and summarize the information in the table below: 5. Use the internet to research the following abnormalities in egg formation and summarize the information in the table found on the last page of PDF below: |
Download/Print fillable PDF to get started:
Sources:
- Ragoonanan, S. (2017). Agriculture for CSEC – New Edition Revision Course. La Romaine: Caribbean Educational Publishers (2003) Ltd.
- Ramharacksingh, R. (2011). Agricultural Science for CSEC Examinations . Oxford: Macmillian Publishers Limited.