Poultry Judging Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

The average time it takes for an egg to move through the entire oviduct is approximately 24 hours. This process is crucial in the development of the egg, where various components are added as it travels through different sections of the oviduct.

The journey begins in the infundibulum, where the egg is fertilized if sperm is present. This short segment takes about 15 minutes. The egg then moves to the magnum, where the egg white is formed, taking around 3 hours. Next, it travels through the isthmus, where the shell membranes are added, which can take an additional 1.5 hours. Finally, the egg enters the uterus or shell gland, where the hard shell is formed and this stage can last anywhere from 18 to 24 hours.

The entire journey, therefore, culminates in an average of about 24 hours to complete the developmental process through the oviduct before laying. This timing is critical for poultry production, influencing factors such as egg quality and production efficiency.