EGG TRANSFER IN SHEEP

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Abstract
A factorial experiment is described in which fertilized sheep eggs were trans-ferred at a rate of two per animal to 162 recipient ewes all of which were allowed to go to term. The factors included and the results obtained were: (1) Degree of synchronization between donor and recipient. Transfers were made of recipients in oestrus 48 hr before to 48 hr after their respective donors. Highly significant effects were observed in the number of ewes which lambed (P<0.01) and number of eggs surviving to parturition (P<p.001), with maximum results in ewes in oestrus 12 hr before to 12 hr after their respective donors. (2) Age of eggs. Eggs were collected 48 to 60, 60 to 72 and 72 to 84 hr after the donors were first observed in oestrus. There was a significant increase in the number of ewes which lambed (P<0.02) and lambs born (P <0.01) with increase in age of the trans-ferred eggs. (3) Site of transfer. Transfers were made of the Fallopian tubes or uterine horns. Tubal transfers were significantly more successful than uterine transfers in the number of ewes which lambed (P<0.05) and number of lambs born (P<0.01). There were no significant interactions.