[Studies of the course of the postpartum period in Polish Merino sheep.I. Macromorphological studies of the ovary and uterus].

The aim of the conducted research was to establish postpartum oestrous cycles and approximate data for mating Polish Merino sheep. 34 sheep were examined. During sheep laparotomy observations of ovaries and uterus were made on definite days of the postpartum period (1-78). It was stated that after about one-week of postpartum inactivity, the growth and development of follicles occurred in ovaries. First ovulations were noticed from the 15th to 18th day of postpartum, while processes connected with uterus involution were not completed. From the 14th to 18th day of postpartum, casting off of pregnant tissues from caruncules' surfaces into uterus cavity occurred. In the majority of sheep, regeneration of caruncules and purification of uterus cavity were completed by the 30th day of postpartum. The observed compatibility of the phases of ovary cycle with macromorphologically determined functional state of uterus after 30 days of postpartum, in the majority of tested sheep, suggests possibility of successful mating of Polish Merino sheep.