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.
Highlights
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
It can be concluded that administration of Vitamin E alone and in combination with selenium resulted in improved reproductive performance on Yankasa sheep
The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of selenium and vitamin E supplementation on fertility and lamb performance in Yankasa sheep
Summary
Reproductive performance is reported to be an important determining factor for profitability in sheep breeding [2]. Selenium supplementation has been reported to improve reproductive performance of sheep. The adverse effects of oxidative stress on ovarian function have been documented. Soil selenium concentration in the study area has been reported to be below the critical level of 0.05 mg/kg [6]. Selenium deficiency has been reported in legumes and crop residue in the study area [7]. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of selenium and vitamin E supplementation on fertility and lamb performance in Yankasa sheep
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