Current challenges in sheep artificial insemination: A particular insight

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Animal Reproduction
• Sheep Husbandry

Background:

• Ovine artificial insemination (OAI) success is hindered by semen application techniques and variable results.
• Ewe cervix morphology impedes intrauterine insemination, making the ideal frozen-thawed semen/vaginal route unfeasible in field conditions.
• Current OAI programs utilize superficial cervical insemination (CAI) with chilled semen or laparoscopic intrauterine insemination (LAI) with frozen-thawed semen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current challenges in ovine artificial insemination techniques.
• To evaluate methodological and chemical alternatives for improving OAI.
• To identify factors influencing OAI success, including insemination timing, female reproductive state, and semen preservation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ovine artificial insemination techniques.
• Analysis of factors affecting semen viability and application.
• Evaluation of cervical artificial insemination (CAI) and transcervical intrauterine AI (TCAI) methods.

Main Results:

• Superficial cervical insemination (CAI) and laparoscopic intrauterine insemination (LAI) are current OAI methods with limitations.
• Transcervical intrauterine AI (TCAI) is methodologically complex and yields poor fertility.
• Optimization of sperm freezing and adaptation of CAI/TCAI are needed for future advancements.

Conclusions:

• Improving ovine artificial insemination requires addressing challenges in semen preservation and application techniques.
• Further research is essential to enhance the logistics and fertility outcomes of TCAI.
• Development of effective vaginal insemination with frozen-thawed semen is a key goal for advancing OAI.