A method of recording oviduct and uterine myoelectrical activity in gilts using implantable telemetry

Abstract

A method of telemetric recording of myoelectrical activity (EMG) in the female pig reproductive tract is described. In 10 gilts the telemetry implant was placed extraperitoneally between the abdominal muscle layers and connected with two or three bipolar silver electrodes sutured on different parts of the uterus and oviducts. The animals recovered from surgery quickly and without complications. The radio waves sent by the implant were collected and demodulated by a receiver and then recorded on a computer disk. Two-three h recording sessions were performed every 2-3 days. The electrodes collected EMG signals free of artifacts for 5-6 weeks after surgery. Off-line analysis of myometry and oviduct EMG activities showed no major differences from the activities measured earlier by conventional wire methods. In conclusion, a commercially available telemetry system can be used for reproductive tract myoelectric activity studies in pigs.