Transuterine sperm transport is not affected by bilateral asymmetry of the reproductive system in dairy cows.
Effects of right versus left side activities of the reproductive organs on sperm transport after deep cornual insemination were evaluated in 1686 Friesian cows in their first lactational period. Only single ovulating animals were used. At insemination, semen was deposited deep into the uterine horn ipsilateral or contralateral to the preovulatory follicle. Pregnancy rates were used as measurement of the success of sperm transport. The reproductive history of each cow included that of the side of the previous gestation. A higher activity of the right versus left side was registered. Following calving and after uterine involution, activities of the right versus left side reproductive organs remained constant independently of the side of previous pregnancy, and did not affect transuterine sperm transport. The data indicate that after uterine involution sperm transport is not affected by bilateral asymmetry of the reproductive system in cattle.
López-Gatius
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F
Departamento de Producción Animal Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agraria Universidad de Lleida Avda. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 177 25198 Lleida, Spain.