Uterine Contractions in the Estrous Ewe

Abstract

One hundred fifty-three ewes were laparotomized, and their uteri were exteriorized and observed for 10 min for origin and direction of individual uterine contractions. The number of contractions generally averaged between four and seven per minute. At 5 h after the beginning of estrus, 67 percent of the uterine contractions originated near the body of the uterus and moved anteriorly. At 26 h (late estrus). 35 percent of the contractions originated near the uterine body and 42 percent originated near the tubo-uterine junctions. At 48 h (after the end of estrus), 75 percent of the contractions originated at the tubo-uterine junctions and moved toward the cervix.