Endoscopic embryo transfer techniques in sheep .1. Embryo flushing of uterine and tubal stage embryos

In this study embryo recovery from oviduct and uterus of superovulated sheep was performed in two different herds. An endoscopic technique was established, which allows a combined flushing of the oviduct and the uterus. 29 animals were used for flushing of tubal stage embryos and 36% of the oocytes/embryos were collected. Embryo flushing of uterine stages was performed 4, 5 and 6 days after estrous. In 34 donor ewes the finding rate was 26%. Taking into consideration that 63% of the donor ewes showed large persisting follicles the results show that this is a suitable technique for an effective embryo recovery from uterus and oviduct.