Fertile Life Span of Spermatozoa in Mare & Bitch

In domestic animals, fertile life span of spermatozoa in the female genital tract is 1–2 days. But in mare & bitch, the fertile life span of spermatozoa is about:

Correct Answer: 4–6 days

While in most domestic animals (cattle, sheep, etc.) the fertile life span of spermatozoa in the female genital tract is 1–2 days, in the mare and bitch it is extended to 4–6 days.

Why Longer in Mare and Bitch?

• In the mare, sperm can be stored for longer periods in the uterine tube crypts and remain fertilizable for up to 4–6 days.
• In the bitch, the unique ovulation timing (bitch ovulates primary oocytes, which then undergo 2–3 days of further maturation before fertilization is possible) means sperm must survive longer to ensure fertilization.

Fertile Life Span Summary

• Most domestic animals (cattle, sheep, goat, sow): 1–2 days
• Mare & Bitch: 4–6 days ✔

Compare: Fertile Life Span of Ova

• Most domestic animals: 12–24 hours
• Bitch: 4–8 days (ova remain fertile in oviduct for longer due to delayed maturation)