Abnormalities in the vaginae of merino ewes in Queensland

Abstract

Abnormalities were found in the vaginae of 6.5 % of 2,903 Merino ewes examined by means of a speculum. In four of six ewes examined post-mortem, the mid-third of the vagina was constricted. In the other two, an obstruction due to fibrous adhesions between the walls of the vaginae in the region where the hymen should be situated was found. A small breeding trial with ewes having abnormal vaginae was conducted. The percentage of ewes that lambed was lower than in a flock of unaffected ewes.