7 Intravaginal administration of misoprostol before artificial insemination improves the fertility of sheep

The success rate of cervical AI in sheep is low because of the complexity of cervical rings, organisation of the inner and outer orifices, length and complexity of the cervical lumen, and anatomical relationships with the uterine body and vagina. The effect of vaginal administration of misoprostol 6 h before cervical AI with ram semen on the fertility of Najdi ewes was studied. Sixty ewes were used in the current study and divided into 3 groups (n = 20/group) that received no, one, or two tablets of Misotac (Misopristole 200 microgram) 6 h before AI. All ewes were synchronized using progesterone sponges for 14 days with equine chorionic gonadotropin at withdrawal time. Five rams were used as a source of semen using artificial vagina. Collected semen samples were evaluated using a sperm class analyzer (Microptic, Barcelona, Spain), and only good semen samples were used for insemination after 48 h of sponge withdrawal. A significant dilatation of the cervical canal was observed in the misoprostol group. Intrauterine insemination was successful in 20%, 70%, and 80% of ewes received no, one, or two tablets of Misotac, respectively. Overall fertility of ewes was higher after two misoprostol treatment groups (65%) when compared to controls (20%). Results show a positive effect of misoprostol in increasing the fertility of Najdi ewes. In conclusion, the fertility of ewes inseminated transcervical can be improved by using misoprostol.