Laparoscopy-promising tool for improvement of reproductive efficiency of small ruminants

Assisted reproductive technologies are used to accelerate genetic gain and improve reproductive performances in farm animals, including small ruminants. This technologies include estrous synchronization, artifi cial insemination (AI) using fresh, frozen or sexed semen, embryo transfer (ET) using in vivo or in vitro produced embryos, and more advanced - cloning and production of transgenic animals. Diagnostic procedures, such as ultrasonography and laparoscopy, have been used as additional tools for monitoring the ovarian response to superovulatory treatment in donor animals as well as for AI and collection and transfer of embryos. The use of laparoscopy for assisted reproduction techniques in Macedonia commenced in the early 90’s, with the acquisition of a set of ,,Karl Storz” equipment. After the adoption of the required routine, our group has completed several scientifi c projects where laparoscopy was used for intrauterine inseminations as well as for recovery and transfer of embryos in both sheep andgoats. In the following period our group endeavored into introduction of laparoscopic insemination in the routine farm practice. Ovine intrauterine/intracornual insemination by frozen-thawed semen resulted with pregnancy rates of 45% and 60%, when AI was performed out of season and during the breeding season, respectively. In goats, this percentage occasionally peaked at 85%. The aim of this article is to review the status of implementation of laparoscopy in Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) of small ruminants and to present our experience in this field.