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The use of high genetic value frozen semen in sheep breeding relies on intrauterine or deep cervical artificial insemination, the success of which is influenced by the reproductive characteristics of sheep and the anatomical characteristics of the cervix. Different artificial insemination techniques may impose different levels of stress on animals; therefore, animal welfare should also be considered when comparing these procedures. Laparoscopic (LAI) and transcervical (TCAI) artificial insemination involve different types of surgical intervention, and we therefore compared the stress responses associated with the two techniques.

The aim of this study was to compare LAI and TCAI in sheep from an animal welfare perspective. Stress responses were assessed by monitoring changes in salivary cortisol concentrations, activity, and time spent standing and lying.

The study included White Dorper and White Suffolk ewes, which were assigned to three groups: native control (K3, n=7), laparoscopic (LAI, n=18), and transcervical (TCAI, n=17). Saliva samples were collected at seven different time points, and cortisol concentrations were determined using an ELISA method. Changes in activity and time spent standing and lying were assessed using pedometers, with data recorded at hourly intervals. Data from the 48-hour period before and the 72-hour period after the intervention were evaluated.

The results showed a transient increase in salivary cortisol concentration in both surgical groups, reaching its highest level 5 hours after the intervention and returning to baseline by the following day. There was no significant difference between the cortisol responses of the LAI and TCAI groups. Based on behavioural indicators, activity significantly increased and lying time decreased in the TCAI group during the 6- to 12-hour period after surgery, whereas in the LAI group, a decrease in lying time was observed primarily. The differences had disappeared by days 2-3. No detectable association was found between changes in cortisol levels and behaviour.

In summary, both methods elicited a short-term cortisol response that was limited to the day of surgery. Although the cortisol response did not differ between LAI and TCAI, postoperative behaviour differed between the two groups. The increased activity and reduced lying time observed in the TCAI group may indicate that the two procedures affect early postoperative behaviour in different ways. Based on the results of the study, LAI and TCAI performed in accordance with professional guidelines can both be considered effective reproductive techniques that are acceptable from an animal welfare perspective.