A technology to overcome barriers in cervical insemination of commercial sheep

Laparoscopic insemination is the gold standard within the small ruminant industry producing the highest pregnancy rates with fresh or frozen sperm. This is commonly used in show animals but is expensive and therefore not used in commercial animals. Traditional artificial insemination as used in other livestock does not work because sheep cervical rings and os are difficult to transverse. The lack of artificial insemination and use of genetics from sources other than US herds has limited the genetic gain in U.S. flocks causing us to be a net importer of sheep/goat milk and meat. Therefore this grant addresses USDA strategic goal 3 (fostering an equitable and competitive marketplace) by expanding markets for sustainable products. Small ruminants aid in sustainable grazing practices are useful in small acreage food production and provide domestic food sources for ethnically diverse populations; together these address the interconnectedness of environmental economic and social factors of sustainability. MPTI proposes a natural solution using plant derived extracts to soften the cervix enabling an artificial insemination rod to pass into or through the cervix depositing sperm close to the site of insemination. The ultimate goal of Phase I and II is creating a less expensive easily accessible reliable and repeatable insemination system for small ruminants that provides the same (not significantly different) pregnancy results as laparoscopic insemination. The goals for Phase I are to develop the appropriate delivery system for the cervical softener and provide proof of efficacy for the softening agent and delivery system.