SPERMATOZOAN TRANSPORT AND LEUCOCYTIC RESPONSES IN THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT OF CALVES

Abstract

Motile bull spermatozoa were found in the oviducts of young calves within 13 min after vaginal insemination. Administration of pregnant mares'' serum (PMS) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) with or without added progesterone or a combination of progesterone and oestrogen did not affect transport. Leucocyte invasion into the reproductive tract occurred between 4 and 8 hr after vaginal insemination. Bacteria-free semen inseminated into the vagina initiated the leucocytic response while the introduction of the diluent or sterile physiological saline solution did not result in leucocyte invasion.