Division 1.6.9 Examination of uterine contents

Immediately after termination or as soon as possible after death, the uteri should be removed and the pregnancy status of the animals ascertained. Uteri that appear non gravid should be further examined (e.g. by ammonium sulphide staining for rodents and Salewski staining or a suitable alternative method for rabbits) to confirm the non-pregnant status (5).

Gravid uteri including the cervix should be weighed. Gravid uterine weights should not be obtained from animals found dead during the study.

The number of corpora lutea should be determined for pregnant animals.

The uterine contents should be examined for numbers of embryonic or foetal deaths and viable foetuses. The degree of resorption should be described in order to estimate the relative time of death of the conceptus (see section 1.2).