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Alvarez M, Anel-Lopez L, Boixo JC, Chamorro C, Neila-Montero M, Montes-Garrido R, de Paz P, Anel L. Current challenges in sheep artificial insemination: A particular insight. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 54 Suppl 4:32-40. [PMID: 31625241 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Ovine artificial insemination (OAI) is not commonly performed because of specific problems related to semen application techniques, leading to highly variable results. The ideal methodology (frozen-thawed semen/vaginal route) is unfeasible under field conditions due to the cervix morphology of the ewe, which prevents the process of intrauterine insemination necessary to obtain acceptable results. Currently, OAI commercial programmes use superficial cervical insemination, CAI (vaginal), with chilled semen (15°C) and intrauterine insemination, LAI (laparoscopic), with frozen-thawed semen. The ability to improve upon these contrasting techniques may be derived from examining certain poorly studied factors such as insemination time, productive state of females and alternatives of seminal preservation, some of which we reviewed in this work. This interim solution will remain in use until AI by the vaginal route with frozen-thawed semen is developed, but it poses new challenges in optimizing the freezing of the sperm and adapting the cervical (CAI) and/or transcervical intrauterine AI (TCAI). In this review, we address the current problems and evaluate their methodological (mechanical) and chemical (dilation) alternatives. Currently, TCAI is a methodologically complex technique with poor fertility results, so further studies are needed to improve the logistics of this procedure and the results of its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Alvarez
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Anatomy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | | | - Cesar Chamorro
- Anatomy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | - Marta Neila-Montero
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | - Rafael Montes-Garrido
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | - Luis Anel
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
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