The ovine cervix is irregularly shaped, making it a challenge to pass through it during artificial insemination. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the morphological characteristics of the cervix of Santa Ines breed, comparing the phases of the estrous cycle. A total of 112 uteri were collected from non-pregnant ewes and silicone was injected into the lumen of the cervix in order to obtain a cast of the cervical canal. Mean length of the cervix was 41.33 ± 16.38 mm and the most frequent cervical ostium type found was the duck-beak (46%). Two rings were the minimum and seven were the maximum found in the cervix, with means of 4.70 ± 1.05 rings. Morphometric data from each cervical ring indicates that the inner circumference tapers in the middle portion and then becomes to enlarge again. No significant difference (p> 0.05) was found when comparing the luteal and follicular phases, or the types of cervix regarding to the values of the diameter of the folds, height, inside circumference, midpoint between the folds and distance from the opening to the folds. Under the studied conditions, we concluded that the development of semen applicator should take into account the morphometric limits found, although the morphology and morphometry of the ovine cervix is quite varied, with no standard patterns for the species, even when comparing the luteal and follicular phases.
Estrous cycle; morphometry; ovine; reproduction