Formation of albumen precursors by the hen's oviduct

¹ Department of Poultry Husbandry, University of California, Davis, California

The composition of the oviduct magnum (albumen-forming segment) was determined before and after albumen deposition, and in nonovulating hens. The quantity and composition of material accumulated in the magnum after albumen deposition, but with and without subsequent ovulation, indicate that albumen precursors are formed in at least two steps. A large part, perhaps 45%, of the albumen deposited by the magnum appears to be synthesized and transferred at the time of deposition.