MOTILITY OF THE OVIDUCT IN RELATION TO OVULATION AND ENDOCRINE CHANGES IN THE INSEMINATED AND NON-INSEMINATED UNRESTRAINED SOWS

摘要

The oviduct plays an important role in the transportation of gametes. Oviduct motility is one of the main factors contributing to and regulating gamete transport through the oviduct. The motility pattern of the oviduct varies during the different stages of the oestrous cycle. This muscle activity is regulated by progesterone, oestradiol-17(3 and prostaglandins, therefore changes in the levels of these hormones might affect oviductal muscle activity and gamete transport. Boar semen has been shown to be exceptionally rich in oestrogens. This oestrogen content has been suggested to enhance uterine contractions by stimulating endometrial PGF2a production. The aim of the present study was to map the changes in the motility of the oviduct in unrestrainedsows inseminated with extended boar semen in relation to endocrine changes around ovulation time.