An antegrade surgical uterine flush technique for ova collection in the ewe

A surgical uterine flush technique was evaluated for percentage of ova/corpora lutea (CL) collected and development of reproductive adhesions in 79 superovulated ewes. The median collection rate for ova/CL was 70%, and 47 of 79 ewes had greater than or equal to 67% ova/CL. At 50 to 80 days after uterine flushing, celiotomies were performed on 50 of the 79 ewes to evaluate the reproductive tract for adhesions. Adhesions of the reproductive tract were not found. Thirty ewes were given prostaglandin F2 alpha, were mated, and became pregnant. The ova collection rates were comparable with rates reported in ewes in which oviductal flush methods were used; however, adhesions did not develop and reproductive function was maintained after surgery.