Spermatozoa in the Genital Tract of the Ewe II. Distribution After Coitus

Abstract

Observations were made on the distribution of spermatozoa in the genital tract of the ewe at 15 min, and at 4, 24, and 48 hr after coitus. A total of 60 animals was used. The number of spermatozoa in t,he cervix wa.s highest at 15 min and in the uterus the maximum number was recorded at 24 hr. Stress decreased the number of spermatozoa present in the fallopian tubes at 15 min after coitus but did not influence the transport of spermatozoa into the cervix, the distribution of spermatozoa within the genital tract at 4, 24, and 48 hI', the number of spermatozoa on the zona pellucida of recovered eggs, or the proportion of eggs fertilized.