A technique for transcervical intrauterine insemination of ewes.

In commercial artificial insemination (AI) of sheep, fresh extended semen is deposited into the vagina or cervical os, or fresh extended or frozen semen is placed laparoscopically into the uterus. Transcervical intrauterine insemination of the ewe is not used commercially. In this study, methods of restraint and instrumentation for AI were evaluated and modified to produce a transcervical intrauterine technique suitable for commercial application.

The structure of the cervical canal of the ewe.

The cervical canal of the ewe does not allow for the consistent transcervical passage of insemination instruments. To define the factors affecting transcervical passage, the gross anatomy of the cervix and canal were studied in 100 estrous ewes and then in their reproductive organs following slaughter. In each ewe, the vagina and cervical opening was examined and the external os was classified into one of four types.

The effect of prostaglandin administration to Holstein-Friesian cows at Day 26 postpartum on clinical findings, and histological and bacteriological results of endometrial biopsies at Day 40.

Ninety-two cows that calved between April and August 1984 in a commercial dairy herd were studied. The cows were randomly assigned to receive either cloprostenol (500 mug) or saline placebo on Day 26 postpartum. In addition, each cow was examined per rectum, had three endometrial biopsies taken and milk progesterone level determined.