Changes in the dilatability of the ovine vagina in relation to oestrus and anoestrus

Abstract

Changes in the dilatability of the ovine vagina have been measured during the breeding season and during anoestrus. An increase in apparent vaginal volume occurs at the time of oestrus. There is little change in volume over the remainder of the oestrous cycle. In anoestrus, the dilatability is smaller than at any time during the breeding season. It is suggested that these changes in the dilatability of the ovine vagina could be used in studies of the breeding season of ewes in which the use of the ram is not desirable.