Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination Affects Stress and Inflammatory Markers in Ewes

Laparoscopy is the preferred technique for artificial insemination (AI) with frozen semen in sheep, given the ovine cervix's anatomical challenges. This study assessed if and when laparoscopic AI alters stress and inflammation markers. Ewes underwent estrus synchronization and were divided into Control (hormonal protocol only; n=4) and LP (laparoscopic AI 54-60 h post-protocol; n=5) groups. Blood samples were collected at D-1 (pre-fasting), 0 h (during AI), 30 min, 60 min, 24 h, and 48 h post-procedure to measure serum cortisol, total protein (TP), albumin, and paraoxonase 1 (PON1). LP ewes showed elevated cortisol (p=0.01) at 0 h and 48 h compared to Controls. Albumin decreased acutely in LP at 0 h, 30 min, and 60 min. PON1 activity and TP remained unchanged, though data variability suggests larger samples for future validation. In conclusion, laparoscopic AI modulates cortisol and albumin, highlighting the need for strategies to reduce procedure-induced stress and inflammation, which can impair reproductive performance.