Studies reported from this laboratory in the mid seventies showed that it was possible to achieve a conception rate of 73% to a single fixed-time insemination in the autumn breeding season in ewes previously treated with intravaginal progestagen and pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG). The present work was aimed principally at an examination of the AI technique in commercial flocks when applied over a period of three years (1979–81) and when applied in sheep of different breeds (Galways and Suffolk-cross).

In the course of three successive breeding seasons, a total of 2,704 cyclic ewes in 87 farm flocks were bred to Texel or Suffolk rams by A.I. using a sperm dose of 400 million in 0.2 ml volume of a skim milk diluent; only semen samples showing a wave motion rating of 3.5 or higher were used and accepted samples were pooled. A further 525 ewes in 20 farm flocks were bred by natural service (ratio of 1 ram: 10 ewes) in one area covered by the AI work. Control of oestrus and ovulation was achieved by a 12-day treatment using commercially available progestagen sponges (Chronogest, Intervet. Ltd.; Veramix, Upjohn Ltd.); at sponge withdrawal a single intramuscular injection of 500 i.u. PMSG (Intervet. Ltd.) was administered.