Effects of Vitamin E and Selenium on Fertility and Lamb Performance of Yankasa Sheep

Abstract

Effects of vitamin E and Selenium administration on fertility and lamb performance of Yankasa sheep were evaluated. Thirty post pubertal ewes (1-1 1/2 years of age) and nine rams (2-2 1/2 years of age) were used for the study. The ewes were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n = 10). Animals in group 1 served as control and were administered 1 ml normal saline. Animals in group 2 were administered 90 mg Tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E), while group 3 received injection containing a combination of 100 mg tocopherol acetate and 1.97 mg sodium selenite. Two doses of the injections were administered 14 days apart (subcutaneously). Estrus was synchronized in the ewes using controlled internal drug release device (CIDR). Rams were used for estrus detection and mating starting 24 hours following withdrawal of CIDR. Ewes were allowed to carry the pregnancy to term. The results indicate higher (p < 0.05) estrus response (80.00, 100.00, 100.00), pregnancy rate (75.00, 100.00, 100.00) and lambing rate (66.6, 100.00, 100.00) in ewes following administration of vitamin E and a combination of vitamin E and selenium. Average daily weight gain of lambs was also significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) by treatment. It can be concluded that administration of Vitamin E alone and in combination with selenium resulted in improved reproductive performance on Yankasa sheep.