Studies on ovine infertility in agricultural regions of Western Australia; Cervical mucus production by fertile and infertile ewes

Abstract

The production of cervical mucus by fertile and infertile ewes was examined as part of a study on ovine infertility in the agricultural regions of Western Australia. Infertile ewes produced a greater weight of mucus than did fertile ewes at both a synchronized and a natural oestrus. Following ovariectomy, however, both groups of ewes showed similar responses to exogenous oestrogen. The data indicate that the increased weight of mucus is indicative of the secretion of a thinner, more watery mucus.