Collection of bovine oviduct secretions

A simple method for cannulation of the bovine oviducts permitting the collec-tion of daily samples of secretions would enhance the study of fertility as well as contribute to knowledge in the field of embryo nutrition and development.Olds & VanDemark (1957) used a wringer technique to obtain oviduct sec-retions from slaughterhouse material. Carlson, Black & Howe (1970) described a procedure for the continuous collection of oviduct fluid from the cow. Cannulation of the oviduct was accomplished with a single silastic cannula held in the oviduct by two collars sutured to the ovarian end of the oviduct. Numerous oviducal fluid collection systems have been used with varying degrees of success. Hamner & Fox (1969) reviewed collection techniques used in several species including the sheep, pig, monkey and rabbit. Yoshinaga, Mahoney & Pincus (1971) reported continuous collection from both oviducts. The animals used in this study were nulliparous dairy heifers (10 to 20 months of age) which were observed in oestrus at least once before surgery. All operations were performed at mid-cycle under either local anaesthesia(Neurothesia) or inhalation general anaesthesia (Fluothane and N20). Following laparotomy in the region of the left paralumbar fossa, the re