Evaluation of crystallisation structures of cervical mucus in Zwartbles sheep with previous oestrus synchronisation

Vojtěch Pešan, Zuzana Rečková, Martin Hošek, Radek Filipčík, Katarina Soušková, Tomáš Kopec and Martina Pešanová Tesařová
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Vojtěch Pešan: Department of Animal Breeding, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
Zuzana Rečková: Department of Animal Breeding, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
Martin Hošek: Department of Animal Breeding, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
Radek Filipčík: Department of Animal Breeding, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
Katarina Soušková: Department of Animal Breeding, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
Tomáš Kopec: Department of Animal Breeding, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
Martina Pešanová Tesařová: Department of Animal Breeding, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic

Czech Journal of Animal Science, 2023, vol. 68, issue 9, 383-390

Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the individual types of crystallisation structures of cervical mucus (arborisation phenomenon) in sheep and changes in the types of these structures during oestrus. A total of 80 ewes aged between two and eight years were included in the study. Oestrus synchronisation was performed using intravaginal sponges, and samples of cervical mucus were collected 55-57 h after the removal of intravaginal sponges and subsequently evaluated. The crystallisation structures of the cervical mucus of sheep exhibit the same sequence during oestrus as in cattle. The most frequently occurring types of crystallisation in the observed sheep included twig-shaped (33.33%), twig-shaped-clubmosses (24.00%) and clubmosses (14.67%). The least common type was fern frond crystallisation (1.33%). A statistically significant difference was found between the representation of individual types of crystallisation (P < 0.01). As with cattle, it is possible to use the evaluation of the crystallisation of cervical mucus to determine the optimum time for insemination, especially in groups of animals with previous synchronisation/induction of oestrus. Establishing the correct time for insemination or natural mating with a ram makes it possible to optimise breeding management and improve pregnancy rates, which are crucial in breeding these seasonally polyoestrous animals. Based on the results, it can be stated that insemination should take place 57+ h after the removal of intravaginal sponges and the application of hormonal treatments for oestrus induction and synchronisation (equine chorionic gonadotropin).

Keywords: arborization; detection; reproduction of sheep (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:68:y:2023:i:9:id:4-2023-cjas

DOI: 10.17221/4/2023-CJAS

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