A transvaginal endoscopy-based technique for performing ovarian examinations in sows.

For examining pig ovaries, which have complex structures, laparoscopy is a useful technique, but requires general anesthesia; therefore, it cannot be performed repeatedly within a short period of time. We report a transvaginal endoscopy-based technique for conducting ovarian examinations without general anesthesia. Sows were sedated in pig stalls. Using a colonoscope, the vaginal wall was punctured with a trocar. To avoid the trocar being caught in the broad ligament of the uterus or the connective tissue around the vagina, the trocar was inserted close to the external uterine os and between the 2:00 and 3:00 or the 9:00 and 10:00 positions (in a clockwise direction). Then, a urethroscope was inserted into the abdomen, and an examination was carried out after the ovaries had been moved towards the urethroscope camera via rectal palpation. This less invasive procedure may allow repeated examinations and will increase our understanding of ovarian dynamics in pigs.