Pregnancy loss

Question 1

What are the possible causes of abortion in sheep and what is the most common cause?

Answer 1

Toxoplasma gondii and campylobacter cause 70% of abortions in sheep.

Question 2

What are surgical and medical treatments for dystocia?

Answer 2

Surgical treatment
. Epidural anaesthesia
. Episiotomy
. Fetotomy 
. Caesarean operation
— Euthanasia

Question 3

What is IVF?

Answer 3

In vitro fertilisation is a process by which an
oocyte (egg) is fertilised by a sperm outside of
the body, in a laboratory dish (in vitro)

In animals, IVF is used commercially to produce
embryos to be used in breeding programs
(genetic improvement), mainly cows

It is also used in conservation projects to produce
embryos from endangered species

It can be used in all animals for research

Question 4

What steps are involved in IVF?

Answer 4

1) Oocytes and sperm collection
2) Oocyte maturation
3) Mix oocytes and sperm in a culture dish
4) Allow fertilisation to occur
5) Monitor embryo development
6) Transfer embryos in surrogate recipients