Oviducal storage of spermatozoa in the turkey: its relevance to artificial insemination technology.

1. This paper addresses questions concerning the role of oviducal sperm selection and storage in the relative inefficiency of turkey reproduction. 2. Before the onset of egg production, the turkey has the biological potential to store spermatozoa in its oviduct for periods up to 5 weeks; after the onset of production fewer spermatozoa are retained by the oviduct. 3. A better understanding of the biological mechanisms which regulate sperm selection and storage in the turkey oviduct is necessary to make significant advances in artificial insemination technology.