Chick production by in vitro fertilization of the fowl ovum

The aim of this study was to produce viable chicks by in vitro fertilization and transfer of fertilized ova to the oviduct of recipient hens. Out of a total of 76 transferred ova, 53 were laid with fully calcified shells, 31 of which were fertile (58%). Despite the high rate of embryonic loss, six live chicks were hatched from 12 fertile ova exposed to 0.05 ml of semen (1:200 dilution). Nine healthy chicks were hatched from ten control ova which were recovered from the oviduct following artificial insemination and subsequent transfer to recipient hens. This experimental approach provides a useful model for production of transgenic chicks.