Observations on the survival time of the spermatozoa in the genital tract of the cow and its relation to fertility

Abstract

1. Experiments were carried out to determine the period of survival of spermatozoa in the genital tract of the cow.2. No reliable results were obtained by searching, post-mortem, the genital tracts of two cows and three heifers killed at various intervals after insemination.3. An attempt to induce ovulation at a definite time to which insemination could be related, in order that the survival time of the spermatozoa might be determined by the recovery of the ova post-mortem, was not successful. Of four cows and one heifer given pregnant mare's serum followed by pregnancy urine, one ovulated. To one animal, where a large follicle was present in one ovary, pregnancy urine was given. Ovulation occurred but could not be definitely attributed to the pregnancy urine.