PROGRAMMED REPRODUCTION IN SHEEP OUTSIDE THE MATING SEASON

Abstract

The ewes follow the seasonal reproductive pattern which in the climate conditions of Kosovo means that the sexual activity is manifested from Junе to August. We assessed the efficiency of two hormonal protocols for the oestrus synchronization in ewes out of the sexual season (during March–April 2012). For this reason two experimental groups, each comprised of 50 Sharr breed ewes, are formed. The both groups had the same breeding and physiological status (all are over 60 days after parturition) as well as management conditions. The treatment for the first group was comprised of progestаgen vaginal sponge insertion (Fluor Geston Acetate, 40 mg, Intervet®) for 14 days and the 500 IU of eCG (equine Chorionic Gonadotropin), Foligon (Intervet®), i/m were applied at the time of vaginal sponge removal. The second group followed the similar protocol, but they were additionally treated with 0.1 mg/ewe gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH; Fertagyl, Intervet®) 36 h after the eCG application. The oestrus was detected by presentation of the ewes to ram 48 h after the vaginal device was removed. The presented ewes were mated twice in the interval of 12 hours. From the data of the study we have the rate that induced oestrus for the both groups was 94 % and 96 % respectively (P>0.05). We believe that combining hormonal treatment following an accurate methodology delivers very good results in inducing and synchronizing the estrus out of the mating season in sheep.