Laparoscopic intrauterine insemination of Awassi ewes superovulated with equine chorionic gonadotropin

The present study was undertaken to investigate the contribution of laparoscopic insemination to the improvement of fertilization and embryo recovery. The experiment was conducted in breeding season. Twelve nonpregnant and cycling Awassi ewes of 3-4 years of age were randomly allocated in equal number (n = 6) to two groups. Each ewe was treated with progesterone impregnated intravaginal sponge for 12 days. All ewes were superovulated with eCG (equine chorionic gonadotropin) 1200 IU once by intramuscular injection 48 h prior to sponge removal. Ewes of group 1 were mated naturally at least two times with Awassi rams of proven fertility. Ewes of group 2 had intrauterine insemination and were conducted 44-46 h after sponge removal, under laparoscopic visualization of uterine horns, depositing 1 ml of semen in the distal portion of each uterine horn. Ovarian response was assessed by determining number of corpora lutea by laparoscopy on day 6 after mating. Embryo recovery was performed by semi-laparoscopic and by flushing of both uterine horns. Results of the present study revealed high number of unfertilized ova (P<0.05) was observed in ewes when naturally inseminated than ewes inseminated intrauterine using laparoscopic technique. Higher rate of embryo recovery (P<0.05) was achieved when ewes inseminated via intrauterine (4.66 ± 0.66) than ewes naturally mated (2.16 ± 0.74). The fertilization rate in ewes inseminated intrauterine using laparoscopic techniques and naturally mated were 79.93% and 40.07%, respectively. Fertilization failure in ewes inseminated intrauterine using laparoscopic techniques and naturally mated were 7.37% and 49.35%, respectively. It could be concluded that the use of eCG to induce superovulation in Awassi ewes combined with laparoscopic intrauterine insemination can increase the fertilization rate.