Poultry Judging Practice Test

In which part of the oviduct is the hard shell added?

1. Infundibulum

2. Uterus

3. Ovary

4. Vagina

The correct answer is: Uterus

The hard shell of a bird's egg is added in the uterus, which is a section of the oviduct specifically designated for this purpose. The oviduct is a complex structure in female birds where the egg undergoes various stages of development after fertilization. In the case of the uterus, also known as the shell gland, it is where the egg receives the final protective layer, the calcified shell, which is composed mainly of calcium carbonate. This process typically takes about 20 hours and is crucial for the developing embryo, as the shell provides both protection and a barrier to external pathogens. Understanding the oviduct's structure is key. The infundibulum is primarily involved in capturing the ovulated yolk and fertilization occurs here, while the ovary is where the yolk is produced. The vagina serves a different role in the egg-laying process, facilitating the passage of the egg from the oviduct to the outside environment. Thus, the addition of the hard shell uniquely occurs in the uterus, making it the correct choice.