The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of multiple versas single pre-ovulatory follicle on oocyte quantity and quality and in vitro maturation of Egyptian sheep oocytes. Sheep ovaries collected at slaughterhouse were ranked into 2 types according to the number of pre-ovulatory follicles on their surface: Type I (with multiple pre-ovulatory follicles, > 2 follicles), Type II (with single pre-ovulatory follicle). The follicles were classified into 3 groups: < 2 mm, 2 - 6 mm and > 6 mm and the number of different size follicles per ovary were documented. Oocytes were classified according to according to their cumulus compactness into one of 3 grades:- C+ gtanulosa nclosed oocytes; C+/- granulose partially enclosed oocytes and C- granulose - free oocytes. The collected oocytes were matured in culture media for 26-29 hr at 39оC under 5% CO2, in air and under 95% humidity. The results indicated that a greater number of vesicular follicles and aspirated oocytes were found in Type I than in Type II. The number of Grade C+ and Grade C+/- oocytes was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in number in Type II ovaries compared to other type. Oocytes recovered from ovaries Type I had a higher maturation rate than oocytes recovered from ovaries Type II (86% versas 63% respectively). In summary, sheep ovaries with multiple pre-ovulatory follicles may result in a higher number of follicles, good oocytes and high maturation rate of sheep oocytes than those ovaries with a single pre-ovulatory follicle.
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