Biometrical parameters of internal female genitalia in western Libyan Barbary sheep.

BACKGROUND

In Libya, the Barbary sheep plays an important role as a source of meat and wool. Improving animal production requires knowledge and understanding of the female reproductive system.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the biometry of the female genitalia of the Barbary sheep of Libya.

METHODS

Ninety-seven apparently healthy, non-pregnant female Barbary sheep genitalia were collected immediately after slaughter from the slaughterhouse. Biometric parameters, including the length and width of the genital organs, were measured using a vernier caliper. The biometric data were studied in two groups: the estrous phase or active ovary group ( = 47) and the inactive ovary group ( = 50). The active ovary group was subdivided into follicular phase ( = 24) and luteal phase ( = 23) groups.

RESULTS

The results showed that different dimensions of the genital organs between the ewes in the follicular andluteal phases of the estrous cycle were significantly affected ( < 0.05). In the inactive ovary group, no significant ( > 0.05) difference was observed in the mean length and width of both the ovaries and uterine horns, whereas the right and left oviduct lengths were significantly different ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the biometric parameters of female genitalia would help in the identification of various organ abnormalities, diagnosis of pregnancy, and infertility treatment of Barbary sheep in Libya.