Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contribution of laparoscopic intrauterine insemination to the improvement of fertilization and embryo recovery in Awassi ewes superovulated with FSH in breeding and non-breeding season. Twelve nonpregnant and cycling Awassi ewes of 3-4 years of age were randomly allocated in equal numbers (n = 6) to two groups. Each ewe was treated with a progesterone impregnated intravaginal sponge for 12 days. All ewes were superovulated with FSH in eight reducing doses for four days in the morning and evening from two days prior to sponge withdrawal. Ewes of group 1 were mated naturally at least two times with Awassi rams of proven fertility. Ewes of group 2 had intrauterine insemination and were conducted 44-46 h after sponge removal, under laparoscopic visualization of uterine horns, depositing 1 ml of semen in the distal portion of each uterine horn. Ovarian response was assessed by determining number of corpora lutea by laparoscopy on day 6 after mating. Embryo recovery was performed by hand assisted laparoscopy and by flushing both uterine horns. Ovarian response of the ewes superovulated with FSH was decreased to half in the non-breeding season. High number of unfertilized ova (P
Highlights
Awassi sheep is a highly productive indigenous dairy breed as well as producing wool and meat
Laparoscopic intrauterine insemination and embryo recovery were scarce in Awassi ewes and to our knowledge, no studies have been reported in Iraq developing a protocol that could be applied in extensively managed flocks for embryo transfer
During laparoscopic intrauterine insemination and embryo recovery no complications resulted from laparoscopic technique such as bleeding, blood clotting, postoperative adhesions were noticed in animals undergo laparoscopy
Summary
Awassi sheep is a highly productive indigenous dairy breed as well as producing wool and meat. Laparoscopic intrauterine insemination and embryo recovery were scarce in Awassi ewes and to our knowledge, no studies have been reported in Iraq developing a protocol that could be applied in extensively managed flocks for embryo transfer. Dose of hormone, season, mating system and embryo recovery techniques have been recognized as some major causes of variation in the superovulatory results [2,5,6]. Estrous synchronization and superovulatory treatment interfere with sperm transport through the cervix and this in turn, compromises the fertilization rate and thereby, the supply of viable transferable embryos [8,9,10,11]
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