A Review of Advances in Artificial Insemination (AI) and Embryo Transfer (ET) in Sheep, with the Special Reference to Hormonal Induction of Cervical Dilation and its Implications for Controlled Animal Reproduction and Surgical Techniques

Artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET) play an important role in the genetic improvement of sheep herds. This review primarily describes the methods that have recently been researched and/or adapted to circumvent the problematic anatomy of the ovine cervix, which prevents the widespread application of transcervical AI and ET in this species. A mechanism of cervical ripening at parturition and the endocrine influences on cervical tone are described as a backdrop to understanding the action of various pharmacological agents used to induce cervical dilation. Although several catheters have been designed to penetrate the ovine cervix, and a specific protocol has been developed for TCAI in sheep (Guelph Method), penetration rates and resulting pregnancy/lambing rates are still inconsistent and unpredictable. Hormonal dilation of the cervix may significantly improve the ease with which the ovine cervix can be traversed. Treatment with Cervidil, a dinoprostone-containing vaginal insert with a slow release mechanism, currently used to induce labor in women, could significantly improve cervical penetration in ewes without adverse effects on uterine contractility. This mode of drug delivery holds promise to result in the development of a safe method to induce cervical dilation for a broad range of transcervical reproductive manipulations in mammalian species including, but not limited to, AI, ET, embryo and oocyte recovery, treatment of ringwomb and transcervical surgical procedures. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hormonal methods on cervical morphology/pathomorphology, sperm/embryo transport and viability, and fertility in both cyclic and seasonally anovular ewes.