Disorders of the avian female reproductive system

Abstract

An analysis is provided of reproductive disorders encountered at necropsy of 1666 adult, female birds excluding poultry. The results are compared with other accounts of these disorders in non-domesticated species and poultry. At least 650 different species were examined, belonging to 24 of the 27 avian orders. All were non-domesticated birds, with the exception of 133 budgerigars, 48 canaries and 4 pigeons. Reproductive disorders were found in 148 (8.9%) representing 88 different species in six orders. There was no conclusive evidence of species susceptibility. Some individuals were affected with more than one type of disorder, the most prevalent being obstruction of the oviduct and ectopic ovulation; in each case 28.6% of 161 disorders. Less common disorders were oophoropathies (16.8%), salpingitis without apparent obstruction (10.6%), neoplasia (4.3%), ruptured oviduct (3.1%) and miscellaneous disorders (8.0%). Domestic poultry bred for egg production are probably more susceptible to reproductive disorders than non-domesticated species. In the latter birds predisposing causes include senility and bacterial infections, but many more are probably involved.