Macroscopic anatomy of the reproductive tract of the reproductively quiescent female emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

Three reproductively quiescent female emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) were embalmed with 10% formalin solution. The reproductive tract was dissected and described. The reproductive tract consists of an ovary and oviduct situated on the left side of the abdominal cavity. The left ovary is dark brown to black in colour with follicles covering the ventral surface. The ovary is located medial to the spleen and closely associated with the ventral surface of the cranial and middle lobes of the left kidney. The oviduct is a relatively straight tube that extends from the level of the cranial extent of the left ilium to the caudal border of the left pubic bone. The oviduct is grossly divided into the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus and vagina using variations in the mucosal fold pattern.     

Accumulation of zinc in egg yolk, ovarian follicles and organs after forced resting by high dietary zinc

1. Eighteen Warren SSL hens of 71 weeks of age were forced-moulted by ad libitum feeding of a high-zinc diet (10,000 ppm zinc for 2 days followed by 5,000 ppm zinc-supplement diet for 4 days). From the start of the treatment, eggs were collected and 3 hens were slaughtered on days 0, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the study. 2. Zinc analyses were carried out on the different components of the eggs and on liver, pancreas, kidney, different yolky follicles of the ovary and various segments of the oviduct. 3. Seven-, six- and threefold increases in zinc concentration were found in pancreas, liver and kidney, respectively. 4. The shell gland and isthmus, but not the magnum, also showed slight but significant increases in Zn content. 5. Zinc accumulation was also high and almost identical in ovarian follicles F1 to F4 but slightly less in F5 and F6 follicles. 6. In the egg, a significant increase in zinc concentration was only observed in the yolk.     

Localisation of MHC class II,lymphocytes and immunoglobulins in the oviduct of laying and moulting hens

1. Our aim was to determine the presence and numbers of immunocompetent cells in the oviduct of laying and moulting hens. Immunocompetent cells were localised by immunocytochemistry throughout the entire length of the oviduct.

2. In laying birds, MHC class II + cells were observed in the subepithelial and middle part of the stroma of all oviducal segments and the mucosal epithelium of the infundibulum and vagina. CD3 + cells were also localised in subepithelial and middle part of stroma as well as in mucosal epithelium of each oviducal segment. Bu‐lb + and IgG + cells were also observed in the epithelium and subepithelial and middle part of the stroma of all oviducal segments, though stroma of the magnum, isthmus and uterus contained few Bu‐lb + cells. IgA + cells were observed only in the mucosal epithelium of the magnum in small numbers.

3. In moulting hens, there were few numbers of immunocompetent cells in the mucosal epithelium of each oviducal segment, although CD3 + cells were observed in the infundibulum and vagina. In the subepithelial stroma, the populations of MHC class II + cells in the infundibulum, magnum and uterus, CD3 + cells in the infundibulum and vagina, as well as IgG + cells in each oviducal segment except for isthmus were smaller than in laying hens. In contrast, the number of immunocompetent cells in the middle part of stroma of moulting hens were equal to or greater than in laying hens.

4. These results suggest that the oviducal immune function is active in the surface tissues of the mucosa in laying hens, whereas it is reduced in moulting hens.     

鹌鹑卵泡发育过程中颗粒细胞黄体生成素受体mRNA的表达

用Ｎorthern杂交的方法研究了鹌鹑排卵泡内颗粒细胞黄体生成素受体（ＬＨＲ）mＲＮＡ的表达。在预计排卵前２０h和３h分别取出最大的３个卵泡（Ｆ１、Ｆ３卵泡）以及小黄卵泡（ＳＹＦ）,剥离颗粒层提取出总ＲＮＡ,并经变性凝胶电泳后将ＲＮＡ转移到滤膜上。杂交所用的探针是用特异的引物经反转录一多聚栈链式反应（ＲＴ－ＰＣＲ）扩增出编码ＬＨＲcＤＮＡ的细胞外区（ＥＣ）和跨膜区（ＴＭ）cＤＮＡ。结果表明,颗粒细胞ＬＨＲmＲ     

Expression of aquaporin 4 in the chicken ovary in relation to follicle development

In the mammalian ovary, aquaporins (AQPs) are thought to be involved in the regulation of fluid transport within the follicular wall and antrum formation. Data concerning the AQPs in the avian ovary is very limited. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine whether the AQP4 is present in the chicken ovary, and if so, what is its distribution in the ovarian compartment of the laying hen. Localization of AQP4 in the ovarian follicles at different stage of development was also investigated. After decapitation of hens the stroma with primordial follicles and white (1–4 mm), yellowish (4–8 mm), small yellow and the three largest yellow pre‐ovulatory follicles F3‐F1 (F3 < F2 < F1; 20–36 mm) were isolated from the ovary. The granulosa and theca layers were separated from the pre‐ovulatory follicles. The AQP4 mRNA and protein were detected in all examined ovarian compartments by the real‐time PCR and Western blot analyses, respectively. The relative expression of AQP4 was depended on follicular size and the layer of follicular wall. It was the lowest in the granulosa layer of pre‐ovulatory follicles and the highest in the ovarian stroma as well as white and yellowish follicles. Along with approaching of the largest follicle to ovulation the gradual decrease in AQP4 protein level in the granulosa layer was observed. Immunoreactivity for AQP4 was present in the granulosa and theca cells (theca interna ≥ theca externa > granulosa). The obtained results suggest that AQP4 may take part in the regulation of water transport required for follicle development in the chicken ovary.     

Content of retinol and retinyl esters in blood plasma,liver, kidney and reproductive organs of Japanese quails

Due to its importance in many physiological processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation, vitamin A plays a key role in reproduction. The present study examines the content and distribution of retinol and retinyl esters in the blood plasma, liver, kidney, ovary and oviduct (infundibulum, magnum, isthmus and uterus) of the laying Japanese quail. (1) The results show that the stage of egg laying had no influence on the level of vitamin A (retinol or retinyl esters) in plasma, kidney and liver. (2) The results further indicate that in the oviduct there are quantitative and qualitative differences in the concentration of retinol and retinyl esters, but that these differences are not altered by the stage of egg formation. (3) The highest levels of vitamin A in the isthmus and uterus were associated with a predominance of retinyl esters (palmitate and stearate); sections with lower total levels of vitamin A (infundibulum, magnum) had retinol as the more dominant form of vitamin A. (4) Changes in the ratio of retinol to retinyl esters in the various sections of the avian oviduct might point to metabolic differences. The storage of vitamin A might therefore be the predominant function of the uterus and isthmus; in the infundibulum and magnum, where vitamin A is predominantly present as retinol, vitamin A serves rather as a precursor for the modulation of the cellular metabolism of these structures.     

促性腺激素受体在雌性水牛生殖器官的表达定位研究

为研究促性腺激素受体(FSHR、LHR)在广西雌性水牛生殖器官中的分布情况,运用免疫组化SABC法对处于不同发情周期(卵泡期、黄体期)成年水牛的卵巢、子宫、输卵管中FSHR、LHR分别进行染色定位。结果表明,FSHR/LHR阳性细胞在卵巢主要见于卵巢内膜细胞及卵泡颗粒细胞;子宫主要见于子宫内膜上皮细胞和腺体细胞;输卵管主要见于柱状上皮纤毛细胞。其中,随着发情周期不同,FSHR、LHR的表达量也有所差异,卵巢中卵泡期FSHR、LHR的表达量均高于黄体期;子宫中FSHR的表达量卵泡期高于黄体期,LHR的表达量黄体期高于卵泡期;而输卵管并没有显著差异。     

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 Regulates the Expression of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor and Steroid Production in Bovine Granulosa Cells

Luteinizing hormone LH plays important roles in follicular maturation and ovulation. The effects of LH are mediated by LH receptor (LHR) in the ovary. However, the factors that regulate the expression of LHR in bovine granulosa cells (GCs) are not well known. Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) is known to play a key role in the acquisition and maintenance of functional dominance. To better understand the roles of LHR expression and IGF‐1, we conducted three experiments to determine (i) mRNA expression of LHR in the GCs of developing follicles, (ii) the effects of IGF‐1 on LHR mRNA expression in cultured GCs and (iii) the effects of IGF‐1 on estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and androstenedione (A4) production by non‐luteinized GCs. In experiment 1, small follicles (<6 mm Ø) expressed lower levels of LHR than mid‐sized follicles (6–8 mm Ø) and large follicles (≥9 mm Ø) expressed the highest levels of LHR mRNA (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, IGF‐1 (1 and 100 ng/ml) increased (p < 0.05) the expression of LHR mRNA in GCs from small and large follicles. In experiment 3, IGF‐1 (0.1–100 ng/ml) increased A4 and E2 in GCs from both small and large follicles but increased P4 only in large follicles. IGF‐1 in combination with LH (0.1 and 1 ng/ml) increased P4 and A4 in large follicles, and increased E2 and A4 in GCs of small follicles. These findings strongly support the concept that IGF‐1 upregulates LHR mRNA expression as well as A4 and E2 production in GCs and that IGF‐1 is required for determining which follicle becomes dominant and acquires ovulatory capacity.     

Protein and mRNA expression of follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor and luteinizing hormone receptor during the oestrus in the yak (Bos grunniens)

Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) have a central role in follicle growth, maturation and oestrus, but no clear pathway in the seasonal oestrus of yak (Bos grunniens) has been found. To better understand the role of FSH and LH in seasonal oestrus in the yak, six yaks were slaughtered while in oestrus, and the pineal gland, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads were collected. Using real‐time PCR and immunohistochemical assays, we determined the mRNA and protein expression of the FSH and LH receptors (FSHR and LHR) in these organs. The analysis showed that the FSHR mRNA expression level was higher in the pituitary gland tissue compared with LHR (p < .01) during oestrus. By contrast, there was low expression of FSHR and LHR mRNA in the pineal gland and hypothalamus. FSHR mRNA expression was higher than that of LHR (p < .05) in the ovary, whereas LHR mRNA expression was higher than that of FSHR (p < .01) in the uterus. FSHR and LHR proteins were located in the pinealocyte, synaptic ribbon and synaptic spherules of the pineal gland and that FSH and LH interact via nerve fibres. In the hypothalamus, FSHR and LHR proteins were located in the magnocellular neurons and parvocellular neurons. FSHR and LHR proteins were localized in acidophilic cells and basophilic cells in the pituitary gland, and in surface epithelium, stromal cell and gland epithelium in the uterus. In the ovary, FSHR and LHR protein were present in the ovarian follicle. Thus, we concluded that FSHR and LHR are located in the pineal gland, hypothalamus, pituitary and gonad during oestrus in the yak. However, FSHR was mainly expressed in the pituitary gland and ovaries, whereas LHR was mainly expressed in the pituitary gland and uterus.     

Serum biochemical profile,enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation in organs of laying hens fed diets containing cashew nut shell liquid

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding laying hens diets containing cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) as a source of anacardic acid on the blood biochemical parameters as well as the enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation of liver and tissues of the reproductive system (ovary, magnum, and uterus). A total of 216 Hisex White commercial laying hens were distributed randomly into six treatments, with six replicates of six birds. Treatments consisted of a diet without growth promoter (GP); a diet with GP; and diets without GP, with addition of increasing levels of CNSL (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0%). Addition of CNSL to the diet did not affect the blood biochemical parameters (uric acid, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins, low‐density lipoproteins and triglycerides), the enzymatic activity (superoxide dismutase and nonprotein sulphydryl groups) in the organs (liver, ovary, magnum and uterus) or the peroxidation of lipids from the blood serum, liver, magnum and uterus (p > 0.05). However, the addition of 0.75% and 1.00% CNSL provided a lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content in the birds' ovary (p < 0.001) compared to birds of other treatments, whereas the treatment without the GP provided a higher value. Addition of up to 1% of the CNSL as a source of anacardic acid in the laying hens' diets does not influence blood biochemical parameters or the endogenous enzymatic activity in the liver, ovary, magnum and uterus, but affects the lipid peroxidation in the ovary, although the problem is reduced from the inclusion of 0.75% CNSL.     

PMSG对性未成熟昆明小鼠卵巢和子宫的影响及组织学研究

对PMSG处理性未成熟昆明小鼠卵巢和子宫进行了组织学比较,对PMSG处理(4IU)的卵巢和子宫进行了组织切片的制作,并在光学显微镜下观察,对所得数据进行了统计分析。结果表明,PMSG处理的性未成熟小鼠卵巢和子宫的合计质量、体积增大,其中8IU处理的卵巢和子宫增大极其显著,4IU与3IU处理之间差异不显著。卵巢内原始卵泡直径、初级卵泡直径、卵子直径差异不显著,但生长卵泡的数量有明显的增加。对小鼠子宫体内膜厚度、内膜上皮细胞长、内膜上皮细胞宽、单管腺直径、单位面积单管腺数量的统计分析发现,除单管腺数量外各项结果均差异显著。     

Localization of immunoglobulins in the chicken oviduct

Studies were made on the distribution of lymphoid tissues and immunoglobulin (Ig: IgA, IgG and IgM)-containing cells (cIg: cIgA, cIgG and cIgM) and the localization of immunoglobulins (Igs) in the oviducal walls of laying hens. Lymphocyte accumulations were occasionally observed, located mainly in the middle infundibulum and in the regions from the isthmus to the vagina. The number of cIgG significantly predominated over that of cIgA or cIgM in the mucosal connective tissue of the magnum and the isthmus. In contrast, in the regions other than the magnum and the isthmus, these three types of cIg were fewer in number. Igs were localized in some superficial epithelial cells (SECs) and glandular cells (GlCs) of the oviduct. Many IgG-containing SECs were found in the infundibulum, the isthmus, and the cranial and major uterus. IgA- or IgM-containing SECs were rare throughout the oviduct. Three types of Ig-containing GlCs were numerously found in the magnum, though lymphocyte accumulations were scarce there. In the isthmus, many IgG-containing GlCs were found, while IgA- or IgM-containing GlCs were rarely observed. Ig-containing GlCs in the magnum were considerably decreased in number after the egg passage. The results suggest that the maternal Igs are transferred to the egg mainly through GlCs in the magnum of the chicken oviduct, and that the oviducal lymphoid tissues have little relationship to the passive immunity.     

Kisspeptin-10对蛋鹌鹑卵巢发育与内分泌的影响

为研究Kisspeptin-10(Kp-10)对禽类生殖内分泌的影响,将75羽22日龄雌鹌鹑随机分为3组,分别腹腔注射300μL生理盐水(对照组),注射0.1 nmol Kp-10(低剂量组)和1 nmol Kp-10(高剂量组),每日注射1次,连续注射3周。记录鹌鹑开产情况,并于60日龄时采集血液和卵泡组织,测定生殖激素与受体的mRNA表达。结果:与对照组相比,注射Kp-10组鹌鹑产蛋率显著提高,且大卵泡数显著增加,血液中雌激素水平显著升高;低剂量组输卵管重显著增加,但体重、肝脏重和小卵泡重无显著变化。Real-time PCR结果显示,Kp-10处理显著下调小卵泡及F1级卵泡上促黄体激素受体(LHR)、促卵泡激素受体(FSHR)和促性腺激素释放激素Ⅰ(GnRH-Ⅰ)的基因表达。     

Alarelin active immunization influences expression levels of GnRHR,FSHR and LHR proteins in the ovary and enhances follicular development in ewes

We investigated the effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist on expressions of GnRH receptor (GnRHR), follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) proteins in the ovaries and follicular development in the ewes. Forty‐two pre‐pubertal ewes were assigned to experimental groups 1 to 5 (EG‐I to EG‐V) and control group (CG). Ewes in EG‐I, EG‐II and EG‐III were subcutaneously injected with 200, 300 or 400 μg alarelin antigens twice (on days 0 and 14), respectively. Ewes in EG‐IV and EG‐V were subcutaneously injected with 200 μg and 300 μg alarelin antigen four times (on days 0, 7, 14 and 21). Ewes in CG were subcutaneously injected with a solvent twice (on days 0 and 14). Serum concentrations of GnRH antibody in the EGs increased and were higher than (P < 0.05) that of CG from day 14 to day 60. GnRH antibody concentrations in EG‐IV and EG‐V were higher than that in EG‐I, EG‐II and EG‐III from days 35 to 45. Expressions of GnRHR protein in EG‐IV and EG‐V were lower than that in CG (P < 0. 01). Expressions of FSHR and LHR proteins in EGs increased. Levels of FSHR and LHR proteins in EG‐IV and EG‐V (P < 0.05) were higher than CG. Ovarian weights in EGs increased. Values of follicle vertical diameter, follicle transverse diameter, follicle wall thickness, follicle externatheca thickness and follicle internatheca thickness in EG‐III and EG‐V were greater than other groups. Primordial follicles and primary follicles developed quickly in alarelin‐immunized animals. Secondary follicles and mature follicles became more abundant. Mitochondria, mitochondrial cristaes and cortical granules increased. Serum FSH concentrations of EGs remained higher than that in CG from days 28 to 70 (P < 0.05). Alarelin immunization stimulated GnRH antibody production, suppressed expression of GnRHR protein, enhanced expressions of FSHR and LHR proteins in ovaries, promoted FSH secretion and thereby accelerated the development of ovaries and follicles in ewes.     

Biometric parameters of the uterus, ovaries and levels of 17 beta-estradiol (E2) after delivery in sheep

Biometric changes of uterus, ovaries, follicles and 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) concentrations were investigated in 15 lambing ewes of the Slovak Merino breed in the puerperal period. The sex organs were excised immediately after bleeding from ewes slaughtered on days 1, 7, 17, 25 and 34 post partum (p. p.). Biometric parameters of the body and horns of uterus were measured by a calliper. The ovaries were weighed on an analytical balance, their length, width and height were measured at the same time. The size and number of follicles were determined on the ovary surface. The blood for E2 detection was collected from vena jugularis three and one day before delivery (days -1, -3). Blood samples were also collected after delivery on days 1, 7, 17, 25 and 34. E2 concentrations in the blood serum of ewes were determined by RIA-test-ESTRA kits, designed in one institute at Kosice. The highest weight of uterus body in the test ewes was recorded on day 1 p. p. In the following days the weight of uterus body had a decreasing trend. There were significant differences in the weight of uterus body from day 17 to day 34 p. p., in comparison with the first day after lambing (P less than 0.01). A significant decrease in the length of uterus body was observed from day 17 to day 34 of observation (P less than 0.01; P less than 0.001). An increase in the length of a nongravid horn, observed on day 7 p. p., was followed by a gradual decrease until day 34, similarly like in its weight. No statistically significant differences were found out in the ovary length, width and height. Neither were any greater changes recorded in the weight of ovaries from day 1 to day 34 after delivery. The highest number of small structures (28) observed on day 7 p. p. in the ipsilateral ovary was decreasing in the course of puerperium and the number of follicles larger than 2, 4 and 5 mm was increasing. The highest concentrations of E2 were not recorded on day -1 before delivery. The significantly lowest concentrations of E2 were recorded on day 25 p. p. The above-mentioned results are preliminary and they enlarge the knowledge of biometric parameters of uterus, ovaries, follicles and E2 concentrations after delivery in ewes.     

Effects of phyto‐oestrogen quercetin on productive performance,hormones, reproductive organs and apoptotic genes in laying hens

Quercetin, a polyphenolic flavonoid with diverse biological activities including anti‐inflammatory and antiviral, inhibits lipid peroxidation, prevents oxidative injury and cell death. The purpose of the research was to investigate the effect of quercetin on productive performance, reproductive organs, hormones and apoptotic genes in laying hens between 37 and 45 weeks of age, because of the structure and oestrogenic activities similar to 17β‐oestradiol. The trial was conducted using 240 Hessian laying hens (37 weeks old), housed in wire cages with two hens in each cage. These hens were randomly allotted to four treatments with six replicates, 10 hens in each replicate and fed with diets containing quercetin as 0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g/kg feed for 8 weeks. The results showed that dietary quercetin significantly increased (p < .05) the laying rate and was higher in group supplemented with 0.4 g/kg, and feed‐egg ratio was decreased (p < .05) by quercetin. Dietary quercetin has no effect (p > .05) on average egg weight and average daily feed intake. Compared with control, secretion of hormones, oestradiol (E₂)_, progesterone (P4), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), insulin‐like growth factors‐1 (IGF‐1) and growth hormone (GH), was found to be significantly higher (p < .05) in quercetin‐supplemented groups. Also ovary index, uterus index and oviduct index were not significantly influenced (p > .05) by quercetin, whereas magnum index, isthmus index, magnum length, isthmus length and follicle numbers were significantly increased (p < .05) with quercetin supplementation. Additionally, expression of apoptotic genes was significantly (p < .05) up‐regulated or down‐regulated by quercetin. These results indicated that quercetin improved productive performance, and its mechanism may be due to the oestrogen‐like activities of quercetin.     

Changes in ovarian function and egg production in commercial broiler breeders through 40 weeks of lay

1. Egg production, body weight, feed intake and mortality were recorded in over 78?000 broiler breeder hens in 4 commercial flocks housed in 16 houses from early lay though 40 weeks of lay. A total of 420 hens were sampled at regular intervals throughout the laying period to determine the changes in body weight and the numbers of yellow follicles, paired follicles and hierarchical positions with time in the ovary throughout lay to relate ovarian function to productivity. Average egg weight was recorded weekly from one flock.

2. A quadratic equation fitted the changes in time for the number of yellow follicles, body weight, feed intake and mortality; a linear equation described the decline in the number positions in the hierarchy and there was a linear decline in the logistic scale of the proportions of yellow follicles developing as pairs of similar weight. Egg production was described by a cubic equation and egg weight by a line plus exponential model.

3. The average number of yellow follicles declined from 7·2 to 5·4 and the number of hierarchical positions from 6 to 5 from 4 to 40 weeks after photostimulation. The proportion of follicles developing as pairs of similar weight was over 25% at the onset of lay and declined to less than 10% from 20 weeks after photostimulation, representing a substantial loss of potential productivity.

4. Body weight and egg production were similar to the breeder's targets whereas average egg weight and mortality were higher than expected.

5. The relationship defining ovarian function will facilitate the development of an improved model of egg production in broiler breeder hens.     

An Immunohistochemical Study of the Oviduct in the Domestic Fowl (Gallus domesticus)

This study describes the distribution of vimentin, desmin, smooth muscle actin (SMA) and laminin in the oviduct of the laying domestic fowl. Vimentin immunostaining was localised in the luminal epithelium of the infundibulum, magnum, magnum–isthmus junction and isthmus. The luminal epithelium of the shell gland regions displayed weak vimentin immunostaining. Vimentin immunostaining was demonstrated in the glandular grooves of the tubular infundibular region. In contrast, gland cells in the magnum, isthmus and shell gland regions were vimentin immunonegative. Fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells in the lamina propria of the oviductal regions studied exhibited vimentin immunostaining. Strong desmin and SMA immunostaining were present in the smooth muscle cells of the tunica muscularis and vascular tunica media. In this study, basement membranes underlying the luminal and glandular epithelia were immunopositive for laminin. In addition, basement membranes associated with smooth muscle cells exhibited laminin immunostaining. The results of the study indicate that the immunolocalisation of desmin, SMA and laminin in the oviduct of the domestic fowl is similar to that in the mammalian uterus. The immunolocalisation of vimentin in the domestic fowl varies depending on the oviductal region.     

Cumulus cell expansion and first polar body extrusion during in vitro oocyte maturation in relation to morphological and morphometric characteristics of the dromedary camel ovary

The morphological and morphometric characteristics of the ovary are fundamental properties for in vitro oocyte maturation. Nuclear maturation, including first polar body (1PB) extrusion, cytoplasmic maturation and cumulus cell (CC) expansion are the criteria for in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocyte. This study was designed to determine the effect of morphological and morphometric features of the ovary on CC expansion and 1PB extrusion during IVM of oocyte in the adult female dromedary camel. The weight, volume and three dimensions of ovaries from slaughtered dromedary camels and oocytes inside zona diameter and zona pellucida thickness were measured. The follicles were classified in regard to the size and oocytes according to their ooplasm appearance and CC compactness. Aspirated cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were incubated for 48 hr (with a 6‐hr interval) in Hams‐F10, and CC expansion and 1PB extrusion were assessed. Significant differences were seen in the shape, weight, volume and three dimensions of the ovaries between ≤4‐year‐old and >4‐year‐old dromedary camel (p < .5). Approximately, 95.82% of follicles were 2–4 mm in diameter. The mean (±SD) of inside zona diameter of the oocyte and zona pellucida thickness was 132.22 ± 13.8 and 14.64 ± 2.24 μm, respectively, in >4‐year‐old dromedary camel. The CC expansion and 1PB extrusion were seen in 86% and 21.88% of COCs, respectively. Age and sexual conditions of dromedary camel influence the morphological and morphometric characteristics of the ovary. Most COCs retrieved from 2–6 mm follicles are cultivable. The most slaughterhouse‐derived COCs retrieved from 2–6 mm follicles of non‐pregnant dromedary camels are excellent and good and yielding a most favourable diameter to achieve the developmental competence for IVM in an optimal time of 24–30 hr; the optimal time for CC expansion is 24–30 hr in this species. However, the CC expansion is a prerequisite process, but not sufficient for IVM.