Transport and Distribution of Spermatozoa in the Reproductive tract of the Cow

Abstract

The distribution of spermatozoa in the regions of the reproductive tracts of heifers was studied 1, 8 and 24 hr. after insemination. Comparison was made of the distribution of spermatozoa with and without mating, using animals slaughtered the same length of time after insemination (1 hr.). The numbers of spermatozoa recovered from the vagina and cervix decreased progressively following insemination. Sperm numbers recovered from the uterotubal junction and the oviducts reached a maximum 8 hr. after insemination. Data suggest that copulation decreased the concentration of spermatozoa in the uterotubal junction and oviduct due to expulsion of spermatozoa by mucus. Copulation may increase rate of transport of spermatozoa that are present.