Forty-five ewes (29 Romanov X Dorper, 9 Karakul, and 7 Dorper) were divided into four groups, synchronized using progestagen sponges and superovulated with 1000 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin. Sponges were withdrawn on days 13, 14, 15 and 16 (in groups 1-4, respectively) after sponge insertion (day 0). Fixed-time cervical as well as laparoscopic AI was performed. The fallopian tubes and uterus were flushed eight days after sponge withdrawal. Total ovarian response (follicles > 8 mm and corpora lutea), total corpora lutea, total embryo and ova recovery, total transferable embryos and left and right ovarian reactions (follicles >8 mm and corpora lutea; corpora lutea; embryo and ova recovery; transferable embryos for each ovary) were noted per ewe in each group. No significant differences were observed between the four groups in all parameters measured. When data were pooled, the total ovarian response was 416, number of corpora lutea was 274, the number of ova and embryos recovered was 141 (recovery rate 51.5%) and the number of transferable embryos was 102. No significant differences between left and right ovarian reactions were detected within and between groups.