Morphologic and morphometric study of the cervix of Shall and Afshari ewes

Knowledge of the anatomy of the cervix is crucial to increase the effectiveness of artificial insemination through the cervix. The aim was to identify the morphology and morphometry of the cervix in Shall and Afshari sheep. 200 samples were examined based on the appearance and then the type of arrangement of the folds and the grading of the cervix. Then, a silicone mold was prepared and the height, distance between the folds, the distance from the outer opening of the cervix to the first fold were measured. The type of cervical shape was significantly different between the two races (P <0.001) In Afshari breed papilla type with 32% and in shall breed duckbill with 38% had the highest frequency in the shape of the outer cervix. Frequency (percentage) of cervical degree in Afshari race is grade 1 (17%), 2 (47%) 3 (38%) and in shall breed is grade 1 (21%), 2 (47%) 3 (32%). None of the variables of ovarian phase, age group (lamb/adult), race and interaction of these factors had any effect on the number of folds. Cervical diameter and distance to the first crease and age in ovarian phase was effective on cervical length, diameter, crease height, cervical distance and also affected cervical diameter, cervical distance to the first crease and the distance between creases (P <0.05). By knowing the exact structure of the cervix of Shall and Afshari ewes, it may be possible to take an effective step in performing successful artificial insemination through the cervix.