Abstract
Two rams were subjected to olfactory ablation and compared with two normal rams in their ability to distinguish ewes in oestrus. The rams were allowed to mate with two groups of ewes consisting of equal numbers of oestrous and non-oestrus ewes. Two identical tests were performed in separate years using different animals. 1. 1. Normal rams were able to select among the two categories of ewes and preferentially approached oestrous ewes (P<0·001). 2. 2. Anosmic rams approached both non-oestrous and oestrous ewes at random but determined which ewes were on heat by attempts to mate, mounting only those ewes which did not move away. 3. 3. The ability of anosmic rams to mate successfully with oestrous ewes appeared similar to that of normal rams. 4. 4. The mating behaviour of the anosmic rams was considerably modified. There was practically no foreplay preceding the actual mating attempt except an increased display of nudging.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
