Scientific research directions in the pathology of reproductive organs of laying hens (review)

Poultry farming represents a significant sector of animal husbandry, providing the population with a source of protein derived from animals. The objective of breeding work in this branch is, among other things, to improve the breeding and productive qualities of laying hens. The creation of new chicken crosses with enhanced productive qualities frequently results in the emergence of pathologies in various avian body systems, including the reproductive system. It is the responsibility of the zootechnical and veterinary services on poultry farms to develop and implement a system of measures aimed at preventing the occurrence of pathologies. This article presents a literature review and a critical analysis of scientific publications in databases on the issue of research directions for pathologies of reproductive organs in laying hens for the period 2003–2023. The findings of the conducted scientific research are considered. A review of the literature reveals that all studies on this subject can be conditionally divided into three main groups: prevention of reproductive system diseases; defence mechanisms of the organism and pathomorphogenesis of reproductive system pathologies; and etiological factors and potential biomarkers of reproductive system pathology. The primary findings of the studies conducted by the authors are presented in each group.