Refinement of uterine fragment sampling in experimental studies using small ruminants: from leptospirosis to beyond

Abstract Ruminant genital leptospirosis is a particular syndrome, in which leptospires remain lodged in the organs of the reproductive tract causing inflammatory changes and/or embryonic/fetal infection resulting in significant reproductive losses. To collect uterine biopsies from small ruminants, surgeries that are costly and time-consuming, causing injury to the animals, are used. In this article, we describe the technique used of videolaparotomy and we dazzle a satisfactory result, with the collected material and the animal welfare. The animals recovered faster and no antibiotics were needed, improving animal welfare. From the technique of collecting the uterine fragment by videolaparoscopy, it was possible to obtain a biological material of high quality, providing also a shorter handling time for animals, less invasive, lower cost and obtaining the same results as a surgery. This is related to ethical principles, particularly with the third of the 3Rs, Refinement, minimizing potential pain and distress and enhance animal welfare.