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Cervical Mucus in Estrous Ewes after Treatment with Estrogen, Progestogens and Intrauterine Devices¹

U.S.D.A., Agricultural Research Center², Beltsville, MD 20705

Abstract

Cervical mucus production was studied in ewes at the estrus following treatments known to inhibit the establishment of normal sperm populations in the cervix. In experiment I, 28 ewes were assigned to a control and three treatment groups. Treatments consisted of intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg 6--methyl-17-acetoxyprogesterone (MAP) for 12 days from day 9 to day 21 of the extended estrous cycle, an intrauterine device in one uterine horn or 25 µ of estradiol from day 9 of the cycle until estrus. Mucus production at estrus was enhanced significantly in the MAP treated ewes compared to the ewes of the other groups. Percentage dry matter, chloride concentration and' spinnbarkeits were not significantly different between the groups of ewes. Estradiol significantly increased the protein concentration of mucus compared to controls. In experiment II, 38 ewes were assigned to a control and three treatment groups. Treatments consisted of intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg MAP, intravaginal sponges containing 30 mg 9-flouro-11/ß-17-dihydroxyprogesterone-17-acetate (Cronolone) or intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg Cronolone. Sponges were in place 12 days from day 9 to day 21 of the extended estrous cycle. The three progestogen sponge treatments significantly increased mucus production at estrus. Little difference was found between control ewe mucus and treated ewe mucus for the chemical and physical measurements though some dose effects of Cronolone were seen. Progesterogen sponge treatment increases cervical mucus production at estrus which may account for the reported reduction in sperm populations in progestogen-treated ewes.

¹ Mention of a trade name or proprietary product does not constitute a guarantee or warranty by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products that may be suitable.

² Reproduction Laboratory, Animal Physiology and Genetics Institute, Agricultural Research Service.