Relationship between Body Condition Score, Reproductive Indicators, and Leptin and Erythropoietin Hormone Levels in Iraqi Awassi Ewes

Abstract

The experiment was conducted using 35 Awassi ewes with an average body weight 52±2.5 kg. The females were divided into three groups according to the body condition score 3 (overweight, medium, lean) represented by groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. The medium was the highest percentage, as it reached 71.42% of the total number of animals. This percentage was in accordance with a high pregnancy rate compared to lean and overweight animals, as the pregnancy rate reached ewes from the examination. The first and second examinations were 64% and 24% respectively. The concentration of leptin and erythropoietin were measured in ewes before, during and after applying the vaginal sponges. Barrenness rate had (100%, 24.13% and 100%) in group 1,2 and 3 respectively. The results were high in leptin hormone in the Body Condition Score (BCS) group. 2, especially after withdrawing the vaginal sponges. While there was no significant increase (P>0.05) in erythropoietin hormone before and during applying vaginal sponges. Body Condition Score (BCS 2) ewes had a higher conception rate than Body Condition Score (BCS) 1 and 3 ewes. Leptin and progesterone both play important roles in the regulation of sheep body weight, with higher levels of progesterone resulting in higher levels of leptin.