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dpi note

Sheep breeding
Ewe reproductive tract

Ken Wilson, formerly of the Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences
Revised by Nicole McLennan, Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences

The basic anatomy of the ewe’s reproductive tract is shown in Diagram 1.

The ovaries are roughly spherical and about the size of a marble (10 to 15 mm diameter). They have two principle functions:

  • the production of eggs (or ova) 
  • the secretion of the female sex hormones (oestradiol and progesterone), which are required for conception and pregnancy.

The fallopian tubes (or oviducts) extend towards the ovaries but are not connected to them. Instead they end with a small funnel shaped opening which catches the egg when it is released. The fallopian tubes provide the site of fertilisation and early embryo development before the embryo passes to the uterus.

The uterus is a small muscular organ that provides protection and nourishment for the developing embryo. It consists of a body and two uterine horns that are continuous with the fallopian tubes. The inner lining of the uterus is made up of many button-like projections known as caruncles, which are the sites of attachment for the placenta (‘afterbirth’). The transfer of nutrients between the ewe and the developing embryo takes place via the placenta. The development of the embryo and later the foetus continues within the uterus for the duration of the pregnancy.

The cervix (a muscular and fibrous constriction) separates the uterus from the vagina. During pregnancy it is sealed and protects the embryo and foetus from the external environment. At the time of mating and ovulation it is open, enabling passage of sperm into the uterus.

The vagina connects the cervix to the vulva (external opening of the genital tract).

 

Reproductive tract of the ewe

Diagram 1. The reproductive tract of the ewe.

Acknowledgment

The Lamb Boost Project funded by Australian Wool Innovation produced these notes.

Further information

For further information contact the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23 (Queensland residents) or (07) 3404 6999 (non-Queensland residents) between 8 am and 6 pm weekdays, or e-mail callweb@dpi.qld.gov.au.

This DPI Note is also published on the DPI's PrimeNotes CD-ROM.

Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.
File No: SW0063 • Date created: February 2002 • Reviewed: February 2003