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Early Pregnancy Loss in Sheep at Ambient Temperatures of 70° and 90° F. as Determined by Embryo Transfer¹

North Carolina State College, Raleigh

Abstract

Early embryo development in ewes maintained in ambient temperatures of 70° F. or 90° F. was studied by means of embryo transfers. Transfers were performed approximately 72 hours after onset of estrus and successful transfers were verified by a laporatomy performed 25–30 days later.

Where both donor and recipient were maintained at 70° F., 13 of 23 (56.5%) "between animal" transfers were successful as compared with 2 of 21 (9.5%) where donor and recipient were maintained at 90° F. and 70° F. respectively. Therefore, some detrimental action had occurred by 3 days after onset of estrus in ewes at 90dg F. Although morphological differences were not apparent at the time of transfer, embryonic death occurred at a later stage of development in uteri known to be capable of supporting embryonic growth. Where embryos were transferred from donor to recipient ewes maintained at 70° F. and 90° F. respectively, 6 of 25 (24.0%) transfers were successful.

To evaluate possible harmful effects of transfer, embryos were either not transferred or were replaced in the original donor when multiple ovulations occurred. Five of seven (71.4%) and none of four non-transferred embryos continued development in 70° F. and 90° F. groups respectively, assuming one embryo was produced per corpus luteum. Six of eight (75.0%) "within animal" transfers were successful in the 70° F. group but no pregnancies resulted from two such transfers in the 90° F. group.

¹ From the Department of Animal Industry. Published with the approval of the Director of Research, North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station as paper No. 1292 of the Journal Series. This investigation was supported, in part, by a PHS Research Grant, RG-5458 from the Division of General Medical Sciences, Public Health Service. The following persons assisted in collection of portions of the data: H. A. Poston, Mrs. Doris Koontz, and C. O. Woody. The assistance of H. F. Lucas and Charles Rohde with portions of the statistical analysis is acknowledged. The pregnant mare serum (Gonadogen) was supplied through the courtesy of R. A. Gessert, Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, Michigan.

² Present Address: Department of Zoology, North Carolina State College, Raleigh.

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