Reproductive Characteristics of Chios Ram Lambs During the First Year of Life in Rural Farm Conditions

Funda Erdoğan Ataç,Mustafa Kaymakçi

doi:10.15832/ankutbd.544225

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine some of the reproductive characteristics of young Chios rams. For the purposes of this study, the data was obtained and used from 30 Chios ram lambs born in 2009 between the ages of 90-360 days. The minimum and maximum values of the testicular diameter (cm) and length (cm), scrotal circumference (cm), scrotal length (cm), testicular volume (cm3) of the Chios ram lambs were 1.59-7.30, 3.05-14.23, 12.00-37.50, 7.00-32.00, 17.39-771.44, respectively. Phenotypic correlations between all testis characteristics were found to be statistically significant (P 0.05). The testicular diameter and volume, scrotal circumference and scrotal length enlarged related with positively the rate of the sperm motility. As a result, estimating the rate of live spermatozoa of the ram lambs by taking morphological measurements at an early age can be useful. Therefore, this information was vulnerable in indirect selection programs.

Highlights

One of the most important indicators of successful livestock is reproductive performance
Testis, sperm characteristics and testosterone hormone levels of Chios ram lambs were determined from 3rd month to 12th months of age
In spite of the changes in the live weight and age, the changes in these properties are given by regression equations

Summary

Introduction

One of the most important indicators of successful livestock is reproductive performance. Good reproductive management of domestic animals requires detailed information about the onset of puberty and sexual maturity (Ake-Lopez et al 2016; AlKawmani et al 2018). This is used as important criteria for the selection of ram lambs in a breed (Kridli & Al-Yacoub 2006; Hassanin et al 2013). Most sheep breeds are season-dependent, it is known that puberty varies between one breed to another in rams (Hassanin et al 2013). In the selection of superior rams in terms of fertility, the use of certain properties alone or in combination and the resulting effect levels are important (Kridli & Said 1999; Price et al 2000).

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Conclusion