Speed of Spermatozoan Transport in Reproductive Tract of Estrous Cow

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Abstract
Attempts to determine the speed of spermatozoan transport in the reproductive tract of 18 estrous cows following artificial insemination and natural breeding were made by clamping the reproductive tract into isolated segments to stop spermatozoan migration at various intervals before and after slaughter. The time interval obtained between the artificial insemination of motile spermatozoa into the cervix and the clamping of the reproductive tract ranged from 140 down to 2.5 min. In every instance where motile spermatozoa were used they were found in the ovarian portion of the oviducts and in all other isolated segments of the tract. Similar rapid transport of spermatozoa to the oviducts was found after natural breeding. Non-motile spermatozoa inseminated into the cervix were transported to the ovarian portion of the oviducts in 4.3 mins. or less. The distances through which spermatozoa are transported in vivo in a matter of minutes are much greater than are indicated as possible from their own motility in vitro.
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