Site of Semen Deposition in Cow and Ewe (AI)

The site of deposition of semen in cow and ewe during artificial insemination is:

Correct Answer: Cervix

In both the cow and the ewe, semen is deposited in the cervix during artificial insemination. The cervix in ruminants functions as the sperm reservoir, where spermatozoa are stored and capacitated before being released gradually into the uterus.

Important Distinction: Cow vs. Other Sources

• For cows, the more specific site is the utero-cervix (mid-cervix) — semen is ideally deposited at the internal os of the cervix using the rectovaginal technique.
• For ewes, vaginal speculum method deposits semen at the external os of the cervix (intracerivical), due to the complex folded anatomy of the ovine cervix.

Cervix as Sperm Reservoir in Ruminants

The cervical crypts harbor spermatozoa for up to 24 hours, releasing them gradually to compensate for the short ovum fertile lifespan. This buffering function is why cervical deposition is effective in ruminants.