A novel "onder speculum" to visualize and retract the cervix during transcervical procedures in small ruminants

Abstract

The visualization of the cervix and subsequent manipulations during transcervical applications in sheep might require a degree of straining reflexes while using the Collin Speculum. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and to evaluate the feasibility of a new alternative speculum design for non-surgical assisted reproductive procedures in small ruminants. Collin speculum (CS) and the new "Onder speculum" (OS) were used to assess cervical entrance in 30 ewes. The OS efficiency for a successful cervical retraction was also evaluated. Data showed that the cervical entrance was visible in 8 out of the 30 females with CS, while it was observed in all the animals when using OS (P<0.001). The latter was successful in the retraction of the cervical entrance in 10 randomly selected animals out of the total. To conclude, the newly developed speculum effectively supported the implementation of non-surgical assisted reproductive procedures in small ruminants and was also considered to have the potential to facilitate non-invasive reproductive techniques in these species.

Keywords

• small ruminants
• speculum
• cervix entrance