Exogenous oxytocin dilates the cervix in ewes

¹Department of Animal Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061-0306.

|January 1, 1992

Summary

Oxytocin effectively dilates the cervix in ewes, enabling transcervical intrauterine insemination and embryo transfer. This overcomes anatomical barriers, enhancing commercial sheep breeding applications.

Area of Science:

Veterinary Reproduction
Animal Science
Sheep Breeding

Background:

Cervical anatomy in ewes typically hinders non-surgical intrauterine artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET).
These limitations restrict the commercial application of advanced reproductive technologies in sheep.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the efficacy of oxytocin in dilating the ewe cervix.
To determine if oxytocin facilitates transcervical passage into the uterus for AI and ET.

Main Methods:

Experiment 1: Ewes received oxytocin (0-600 USP units) or saline at 44 and 52 hours post-pessary removal, with cervical patency assessed using a stainless steel rod.
Experiment 2: Ewes were treated with estradiol-17 beta followed by oxytocin, evaluating cervical dilation.

Main Results:

Oxytocin administration successfully dilated the cervix in ewes, allowing uterine entry in 77% of cases (43/43) at either 44 or 52 hours.
Estradiol dosage and timing of oxytocin significantly influenced the success rate of transcervical uterine passage (P < .01).

Conclusions:

Oxytocin is a viable agent for cervical dilation in ewes, facilitating transcervical procedures.
Hormonal protocols involving estradiol and oxytocin can improve the success of intrauterine manipulations in sheep.

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Exogenous oxytocin dilates the cervix in ewes

Area of Science:

Background:

Purpose of the Study:

Main Methods:

Main Results:

Conclusions:

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