Procedure for successful interspecific embryo transfer from mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon) to Spanish Merino sheep (Ovis aries).

Embryos from five anesthetized mouflons (Ovis gmelini musimon), superovulated with FSH-o (Ovagen) were transferred into preselected Spanish Merino sheep (Ovis aries). Myorelaxation was complete in four of five donor mouflons. The status of the uterus of potential recipients was evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography, and those ewes with fluid in the uterine horn were rejected. The corpus luteum in each ewe was assessed ultrasonographically the day before surgery. Plasma progesterone levels and the quality of the corpora lutea were the criteria for selection of recipients. Ten embryos were transferred to the five selected Spanish Merino recipients, resulting in four pregnancies and seven live-born lambs, including three sets of twins. This study shows that determination of plasma progesterone levels combined with ultrasonographic assessment of the corpus luteum provides information useful for screening of potential recipients.