Performance Of Ewes Research Articles

Comparative performance of Dorper and Rambouillet ewes on West Texas range

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to compare overall productivity between Dorper (n = 96) and Rambouillet (n = 100) ewes in West Texas commercial production conditions. Ewes originated from private flocks and were mated to produce terminal cross or purebred lambs, depending upon the year. These ewes generated 1,091 records of reproductive performance and lamb weights. Ewe traits included weight at the beginning of the fall breeding season, fertility (ewes that gave birth per ewe exposed), condition score, lambing interval, and stayability to 9 years of age. Mixed linear models included flock of origin and ewe as random effects. Fixed effects included the age of the ewe nested within year of record (P 0.05). Dorper ewes had higher condition score (3.02 ± 0.08), more lambs born per litter (1.6 ± 0.05) and shorter lambing intervals (386 ± 6.6 d) than Rambouillet ewes (2.69 ± 0.077, 1.4 ± 0.05, 403.3 ± 6.1 d, respectively). Dorper ewe weight (66.9 ± 1.3 kg) and stayability (0.69 ± 0.03) tended (0.08

Genetic analysis of reproductive characteristics in Iran-Black sheep

This study was conducted to estimate genetic parameters and trends for reproduction traits using data collected at the breeding station of Iran-Black sheep during 1980 to 2004. The traits included in the analyses were litter size at birth (LSB) and weaning (LSW) and litter mean weight per lamb born (LMWLB) and weaned (LMWLW) as basic traits, and total litter weight at birth (TLWB) and weaning (TLWW) as composite traits. Direct heritability estimates for LSB, TLWB, LMWLB, LSW, TLWW and LMWLW were 0.11, 0.07, 0.33, 0.08, 0.09 and 0.11, respectively. The permanent environmental effects had significant impact on all traits and ranged from 0.05 to 0.16. Effect of service sire was highly significant (p < 0.01) for all traits except LMWLW. Estimates of genetic correlations ranged from -0.76 (LSB-LMWLB) to 0.98 (LSB-LSW). Phenotypic and environmental correlations were generally lower than those of genetic correlations. Environmental correlations ranged from -0.55 (LSW-LMWLW) to 0.99 (LSB-LSW). Also, the estimated correlation for the effect of service sire ranged from -0.77 (LMWLB-TLWW) to 0.96 (LSB-LSW and LSB-TLWW). The results suggest that selection based on TLWB could be more effective than the other traits to enhance reproductive performance in Iran-Black ewes.

Clinical, Ultrasonographic, Bacteriological, Cytological and Histopathological Findings of Uterine Involution in Ewes with Uterine Infection.

The objectives of the study were (a) to study the characteristics of uterine involution in ewes that had developed subclinical uterine infection in the immediately post-partum period and (b) to evaluate effects of the infection in the subsequent reproductive performance of ewes. Uterine infection was induced in ewes (I, n = 10) by intrauterine inoculation of Escherichia coli; uninoculated controls were included (C, n = 12). Animals were examined at regular intervals before and post-inoculation. Clinical and ultrasonographic examinations were performed. Vaginal swab samples and biopsy uterine tissue samples were collected for bacteriological, cytological and histological examination. Finally, ewes were put to rams and reproductive performance was monitored. After challenge, it was ultrasonographically found that caruncular dimensions, myometrial thickness and diameter of uterine lumen were greater in I ewes. In these ewes, particular reduction of dimensions occurred during the second week post-partum, whilst in C ewes during the first week. The uterine artery diameter and the blood flow into the uterus were also greater in I than in C ewes. E. coli infection was more frequent and of longer duration in I than in C ewes: in 68.1% and 50.0% of ewes and 19.5 and 14 days, respectively. There was lower proportion of neutrophils and higher of lymphocytes in group I than in C. In inoculated ewes, there was histological evidence of uterine epithelial destruction, increased cellular infiltration, hyperaemia and extracasation, which persisted up to 42 days post-partum. During the subsequent reproductive season, all ewes in group I lambed normally and produced healthy and viable lambs. No significant difference in reproductive performance parameters were seen in I comparison to C ewes. It is concluded that the innate immunity of the uterus sufficed to counteract the bacterial infection, although the process of involution took longer than in healthy animals; moreover, the ultrasonographic examination is a useful means for assessment of the genital tract of ewes post-partum; finally, no adverse effects were noted in the subsequent reproductive performance of ewes.

The effect of pre-breeding vitamin E and selenium injection on reproductive performance, antioxidant status, and progesterone concentration in estrus-synchronized Mehraban ewes.

The present study was conducted to assess the effects of pre-breeding vitamin E and selenium (ESe) injections on the reproductive performance, antioxidant status, and serum progesterone (P4) concentration in estrus-synchronized Mehraban ewes. During the breeding season, 38 ewes (3-4years) were divided into two groups (n = 18), and the synchronization of estrus was achieved by intravaginal insertion of 0.3g progesterone CIDR device for 13days followed by 350IU eCG at CIDR withdrawal. Ewes were kept under pasture conditions and exposed to Mehraban rams 48h following CIDR withdrawal. The experimental treatments were control and ESe injection. The ESe group was received three intramuscular (5mL) injections of Ese (0.5mg/mL of selenium as sodium selenite and 50IU vitamin E as DL-α- tocopheryl) once every 2weeks. Specifically, Ese was administered at 2weeks before CIDR insertion, at the times of CIDR insertion and CIDR withdrawal. Fertility, prolificacy, lambing rate, and birth weight were recorded after parturition. Blood samples were collected at CIDR insertion, CIDR withdrawal, 5, 10, and 15days after ram exposure. Fertility, prolificacy, lambing rate, and birth weight did not improve by Ese treatment, but viabilityof lambs was higher in ESe than control (P < 0.05). Serum total antioxidant capacity at day 5 and P4 at day 10 after ram exposure was higher in ESe than control (P < 0.05). In conclusion, sheep breeders can use ESe at CIDR insertion and withdrawal times to potentiate antioxidant status and progesterone profile of estrus-synchronized Mehraban ewes.

Comparative Study of the Performance in Ewes of Bulgarian Dairy Synthetic Population and Their Crosses with Lacaune

The aim of the study was to compare the milk yield in ewes from Bulgarian Dairy Synthetic Population and their crosses with Lacaune. “Blood introduction” of Lacaune breed with F1 cross ram was carried out on 40 purebreed ewes of Bulgarian Dairy Synthetic Population (BDSP). The ewes were equal in the sequence of lactation, genealogic line and milk yield. The object of the present study were 32 ewes on first lactation – purebred BDSP (n=16) and crosses of the breed with Lacaune (n=16). The ewes were reared in the experimental farm of the Institute of Animal Science- Kostinbrod, Bulgaria. The milk yield for the control day was determined after the AC method of ICAR as the standard 120 d milking milk yield was determined. The fertility was determined as a ratio of the number of the lambs born alive to the number of the experimental ewes. The content of fat, total protein, dry fat-free residue and dry matter were measured in each control of 20 ml of individual sample for each of the animals, using milk analyser Ecomilk, Bultech. The data were evaluated through the Data Analysis statistical package of Excel 2016, Microsoft. The effect of the crossbreeding on the examined traits was assessed through one way ANOVA. No effect of the “blood introduction” from Lacaune was observed on the milk yield and fertility of the ewes. No significant difference between the mean milk yield for a standard 120 period of first lactation was found (79.47 l and 81.83 l, respectively for the purebred ewes and the crosses). The percentage of the fat and the dry matter of the first control in the Lacaune crosses (5.27% and 16.64%) was significantly lower (P<0.01; P<0.05) when compared to the purebred BDSP ewes (6.21% and 17.32%).

PSX-38 Reproductive performance of Dorper ewes with varying days post-partum to ram introduction in the non-breeding season

Abstract With the decrease of a wool favored market, hair type sheep have become increasingly popular for lamb markets. In Texas, the most popular hair type breed of sheep is the Dorper. Various breed characteristics make the Dorper sheep an excellent candidate for an accelerated lambing system. Reproductive performance of Dorper ewes with various lengths of post-partum interval, during the traditional non-breeding season, was determined. During May (13L:11D), 2+ yr-old multiparous ewes (n = 28) were joined with a fertile ram for 30 d. Weekly blood samples were taken for progesterone analysis. Ewes were blocked according to length of post-partum interval (lamb to ram): short (SPP; n = 10, 100 ± 2.7 d), mid (MPP; n = 11, 130 ± 0.68 d) and long (LPP; n = 7, &amp;gt;200 d). Weaning age of lamb(s) from previous parturition was similar for SPP (62 ± 3.2 d) and MPP (67 ± 0.6 d). Interestingly, 11% of the ewes had a functional CL at initiation of the study (P4 &amp;gt; 1.5 ng/mL). Mean body condition score for SPP, MPP, and LPP ewes were 2.8 ± 0.08, 3.1 ± 0.09, and 3.7 ± 0.08, respectively. Pregnancy rates were similar between MPP (100%), LPP (100%) and SPP (60%). Overall, pregnancy rate was 87% and a lamb crop (lambs per ewe exposed) was 1.3 ± 0.09. Twinning rate for SPP, MPP, and LPP was 20%, 73%, and 43%, respectively. Pregnancy rate in SPP ewes may indicate carryover of the suppressive effects of lactation and suckling. Results suggest a lamb to ram interval of &amp;gt;100 d is sufficient for response to the ram effect and resumption of estrous cycles in a majority of ewes during photoperiod of 13L:11D. We conclude Dorper sheep have the reproductive capacity to successfully meet the production goals of accelerated lambing systems and thus, the potential for optimized lamb production.

164 The effect of grass silage compared to whole crop wheat silage on colostrum yield, lamb birth weight and ewe performance during late gestation

Abstract Number of lambs born is a key factor influencing profitability of seasonal sheep meat production systems and a key driver of nutrient requirements. Energy and nutrient requirements to support foetal development, mammogenesis and lactogensis increase in the final eight weeks of ovine gestation. A 3 × 2 factorial design experiment involving 90 twin bearing ewes was conducted during the final eight weeks of pregnancy with ewes offered 100% of predicted metabolisable energy (ME) requirements. Three prolific breed types (Mule (Bluefaced Leicester X Blackface mountain), Belclare X and Lleyn X) were offered one of two silage types (grass (GS) or whole crop wheat (WCW)) resulting in six treatments (n = 15). Where silage intake was insufficient to meet 100% of ME requirements, concentrates were offered to reach 100% of ME allocation per ewe per day. Colostrum yield at one, ten and eighteen hours, combined litter weight (CLW), maternal body weight and body condition score (BCS) change during the final eight weeks of gestation were recorded. The data were analysed using repeated measures and glimmix in SAS (Version 9.4). Ewes offered grass silage produced lambs with a higher CLW (P = 0.03). There was an interaction between breed type and silage type with Mule ewes offered WCW producing a lower CLW than Mule ewes offered GS (P = 0.004), with no difference for Belclare or Lleyn ewes (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Within silage type Mule ewes offered GS had a higher CLW than Belclare ewes (P &amp;lt; 0.05) while within WCW Belclare ewes had a higher CLW than Lleyn ewes (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Other variables did not differ with treatment. In conclusion, a breed specific response was recorded in this study whereby Mule ewes produced a lower CLW when offered WCW compared to GS silage, though no differences were observed in the other breed types studied.

PSXI-40 Body reserves profile and rearing performance of meat ewes are genetically linked

Abstract The objective of this work was to study the relationships between different body reserve (BR) dynamic profiles and ewe rearing performance (PERF) traits in a Romane meat sheep population extensively managed in a rangeland of France. Genetic parameters that link litter weight and lamb BW at lambing and weaning, lamb growth rate at 1, 2 and 3 months after lambing and litter survival from lambing to weaning to different BR profiles that have previously been demonstrated in the same animals are reported. Records from the flock of the INRA La Fage experimental farm were used to generate datasets from 14 lambing years (YR: 2002 to 2015). The datasets involved 1,146, 1,072 and 414 females belonging to 3 parities (PAR: 1, 2 and 3, respectively), with first lambing at 2 ages (AGE: 1 or 2-yr-old), and 4 litter sizes (LS: 1, 2, 3 and 4 lambs born alive). Significant effects on PERF were observed on all fixed variables considered (i.e., YR, AGE, PAR and LS). Similarly, the BW and BCS profiles of the ewes were strongly related to the PERFs across the 3 PARs studied, particularly for the BW profiles in the first cycle (PAR 1). In contrast to litter survival, which showed very low h² values and repeatabilities, the traits of lamb BW at lambing and weaning and litter weights at weaning had moderate h² values ranging from 0.20 to 0.23 and repeatabilities ranging from 0.21 to 0.27. In conclusion, our results show that genetic gains may be possible due to the inclusion of combined BR and PERF traits in sheep selection programs for this breed and warrant further research in other sheep populations.

PSX-3 The impact of energy nutrition planes of ewes on the productive and reproductive performance of their offspring

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate different levels of metabolizable energy (ME) intake of late-gestating ewes on the productive and reproductive performance of their female offspring. Seventy-one crossbred ewes were distributed in three treatments: CTL = ME level according to recommendations of the NRC (2007); LESS = CTL less 10% ME per kilogram of dry matter (DM); and PLUS = CTRL plus 10% ME per kilogram of DM. Ewes were synchronized with hormonal protocol, controlled natural mating, and confirmed pregnancy using ultrasonographic imaging. The diets were given at the end of gestation (50 days) through weaning (60 days). The female progeny, from birth to the first mating season, received the same nutrition and sanitary management as their dams. They were weighed every 15 days from birth to the eighth month of age (first mating season), and the mortality rate was measured. The mating season lasted 34 days. The confirmation of pregnancy was performed with 30 and 60 days. The chi-square test was used to compare mortality and pregnancy rates, all with a 5% probability. Ewes in the LESS diet presented lower birth weight up to 8 months of age when compared to CTL and PLUS diets (P &amp;lt; 0.005), which were not different from each other (P &amp;gt; 0.005). Mortality was influenced by the maternal diet (P = 0.0017), with values of 57.1, 20, and 7.41% for the LESS, CTL, and PLUS groups, respectively. The pregnancy rate was 21.4, 70 and 55.6% for the LESS, CTL, and PLUS groups, respectively, with a difference between them (P = 0.0390). We concluded that the supply of low energy diets for dams caused losses in the performance and reproduction indexes of replacement ewes.

PSX-2 Growth and lactating performance of ewes fed with different energy levels

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the milk production, body weight, and body condition score (BCS) of ewes fed with different energy levels. Seventy-one ewes were used and distributed in three treatments according to the metabolizable energy (ME, Mcal/kg) levels in the diet: CTL = according to the NRC (2007) recommendation for each stage (gestation and lactation); PLUS = CTL plus 10% of ME per kilogram of dry matter; LESS = CTL less 10% ME per kilogram of dry matter. Body weight and body condition score were evaluated a week before the expected date of parturition, a week after giving birth, and at weaning (60 days). Dairy production was evaluated at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days after giving birth by the indirect method of the two weighing. The experimental design was analyzed as randomized complete blocks. There were no differences on milk production during almost all the lactation curve. Only on day 50 (P = 0.051), CTL was still at peak, while LESS and PLUS had already decreased their production. However, at 60 days, all treatments were already with low production, justifying weaning in this period. Results of weight and BCS showed a significant difference in all periods evaluates. Ewes in the PLUS diet had greater BW and BCS. The BCS before giving birth is expected to be over 3.5 and treatment LESS was the only one that did not achieve this score (2.66, 3.37, 3.83 for LESS, CTL, and PLUS, respectively). At weaning, ewes fed PLUS and CTL had BCS of 3.51 and 2.92, respectively, but treatment LESS had only 1.82. That is prejudicial for the next mating seasonal and this animal. We concluded that LESS diet interfered with the body reserves of sheep.

Ameliorating effects of organic and inorganic mycotoxin binders on the performance of Ossimi sheep.

This investigation is an endeavor to prevent or limit the negative effects resulted of ingesting diets contaminated with a combination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA). This experiment aimed to evaluate the efficacy of supplementing diets with organic, inorganic and/or mixed toxin binders, throughout a feeding and digestibility trials, to relieve mycotoxins' negative effect towards maintaining the productive and reproductive performance of Ossimi ewes and their offspring. One hundred Ossimi ewes averaged 38.97 ± 0.55 kg body weight and aged 3 to 4 years were chosen, 30 days before the expected lambing date and divided randomly into five equal groups (20 each). The first group received an uncontaminated diet and served as a negative control (NC). The second group fed a diet contaminated with AFB1 mixed with OTA and served as a positive control (PC), while the third group fed contaminated diets and supplemented with organic toxin binder (OB). The fourth group fed contaminated diet supplemented with inorganic toxin binder (IOB) and the fifth group fed contaminated diet and supplemented with a mixture of OB and IOB (OB+IOB).The results showed that PC group had decrease in levels of digestibility coefficients, feeding values, milk production, feed intake, serum total protein, albumin, glucose and cholesterol while had increase of ALT, AST and urea concentrations. The decrease of ewes’ body weight was associated with increased age at 1st estrous post-lambing versus decreasing the fertility parameters of the PC group. Besides, there was a decrease in thyroid hormones and antioxidant activities versus the increase in malondialdehyde concentrations. In the same group, changes in ewes’ body weight decreased, while the feed conversion ratio increased with the PC group compared to the NC control group. Whereas, all treatments tested in the current study could reverse the mycotoxin-induced effects significantly and restore the normal levels of animals. In conclusion, IOB alone, or the mixture of OB+IOB, can be added to ewes’ diets for the relief of symptoms induced by mycotoxin.

Effects of nutrition plane on productive performances of Ossimi ewes and their offspring during pregnancy and lactation periods

Feeding ewes diets with higher energy and crud protein during gestation and lactation affects the performance of lambs at weaning. The objective of this study was to determine the nutrition plane supplementation during pregnancy and lactation period affects ewes and their offspring performance. from birth to weaning. Twenty four Ossimi ewes with average weight 55.67 kg and aged 2-4 years old and their offspring (n=30) were used in completely randomized design consisting of three supplementation level (high,125%ME; standrd,100% ME and low, 60% ME) of predicated metabolizable energy requirements according to NRC, 1985. The ewes were weighted and the body weights of lambs were recorded from birth to weaning. Colostrum production was recorded during the first week after parturition, the amount of milk production was estimated after that weekly until weaning. Blood samples were also collected from the ewes and analyzed to determine blood components. There was no effect of nutrition plane on live body weight of ewes during pregnancy and lactation period. Ewes were had significantly (P≤0.01) higher colostrum and milk yield compared with ewes offered medium ME or low group. The values of TMY, ADMY and colostrum yield were significantly (P≤0.01) higher in ewes fed high ME diet compared with ewes fed on medium or low ME diet. All blood constituents were not affected by nutrition plane during pregnancy except for cholesterol and glucose levels were affected significantly (P≤0.05), Likewise, during the lactation period, with the exception of cholesterol levels, which were significantly (P≤0.05) affected. There was a significant (P≤0.05 or P≤0.01) increase in body weight and daily gain for lambs resulting from ewes offered high ME diet compared ewes offered medium ME or low ME diet. In conclusion it can be said that, nutrition plane is every important of ewes during pregnancy and lactation period and feeding the ewes at high ME can improve the performance of growth and milk production without any negative effect on the blood components.

Lamb wool shedding is a good predictor of ewe wool shedding.

Interest in reducing labour costs due to shearing has led to development of breed types that shed their wool naturally. Selection at young ages can facilitate response. Reliability of predictions of adult from lamb wool shedding (WS) is thus key in the design of breeding programmes to increase shedding. Our objectives were to estimate heritabilities and genetic relationships between WS measured once in lambs and repeatedly in ewes and to assess the accuracy of lamb WS EBV to predict ewe WS EBV based on a multi-trait threshold or a repeatability model. Data were 4,971 lamb and 3,335 ewe WS records on a Romanov, White Dorper and Katahdin composite flock. For the multivariate model, WS heritability ranged from 0.47±0.03 in lambs to 0.59±0.04 at 1year of age. For the repeatability model, WS in adult ewes was moderately heritable (0.50±0.03) and repeatable (0.60±0.02). Genetic correlations were 0.72±0.04, 0.65±0.05, 0.50±0.09 and 0.51±0.09 between lamb WS and 1st through 4th record, respectively. Given the moderately high heritability and high correlations between WS performance in lambs and ewes, selecting animals early in life would effectively increase WS in crossbred flocks.

Effects of nutrition on main components of sheep milk

Abstract Nutrition markedly affects sheep milk composition and can be used to improve its suitability as food for humans. The effect of nutrition on sheep milk fat quality has been covered by many reviews. In contrast, nutrition and genetics interact on sheep milk protein. Milk true protein, whose mammary synthesis is under high genetic control, is much less affected than milk fat by nutritional management of the animals, whereas the non-protein nitrogen fraction of milk is largely affected by nutritional factors. Indeed, dietary-protein solubility and degradability and energy availability at rumen level can largely affect this fraction, especially milk urea. The latter is an excellent predictor of the protein nutritional status of sheep, based on the extent of nitrogen excretions through urine. Milk urea concentration is also an indicator of protein excesses and shortages associated with negative effects on the health, reproductive performance and immunocompetence of dairy ewes. Interestingly, milk urea concentration is inversely associated with somatic cell count (SCC) in sheep and cows. Nutritional errors can predispose the mammary gland to inflammations and, therefore, to a higher probability of mastitis occurrence, with a consequent increase in SCC in sheep milk. Moreover, specific dietary deficiencies in minerals (e.g. Se, Zn, Mn, and Fe) and vitamins (e.g. vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamin C) have also been associated with the health status of the mammary gland and SCC in milk. Recently, beneficial effects of dietary essential oils on SCC of sheep milk have been suggested. The nutrition as source of toxicants that could be transferred in sheep milk, will be updated and discussed. In conclusion, this review highlights that appropriate nutritional management can improve the composition of sheep milk, especially FA profile, and, to a certain extent, some milk compounds can be used to monitor the nutritional balance and health status of the animals.

Effect of the Booroola fecundity (FecB) gene on the reproductive performance of ewes under assisted reproduction

Reproductive traits are important factors in sheep production. The Booroola fecundity (FecB) gene—the first major gene for prolificacy identified in sheep—has a positive effect on ovulation rates and litter size under natural reproductive conditions. However, the effect of the FecB gene on reproductive performance under assisted reproduction, which uses many artificial hormones, remains unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of FecB (BMPR-1B mutation) on reproductive performance under assisted reproduction, and examined offspring body weight at birth and weaning and survival rate at weaning. There were no differences among three genotype groups (homozygous carrier, BB; heterozygous carrier, B+; non-carrier, ++) in terms of estrus detection rate, time to estrus onset, or estrus duration following estrus synchronization (P > 0.05). The pregnancy rates at 60 d were similar among three genotype groups after artificial insemination (P > 0.05). However, the B allele had an additive effect on litter size (one copy resulted in an increase of 0.88 lambs and two copies produced an additional 0.41 lambs; P < 0.01), and increased lambing and fecundity rates (P < 0.01). After multiple ovulation, the average numbers of recovered embryos per ewe were 9.16 ± 0.79, 8.20 ± 0.77, and 8.44 ± 0.61 in the BB, B+, and ++ ewes, respectively (P > 0.05). There were no differences in the fertilization rate or numbers of grade 1–2 embryos among different groups (P > 0.05). The birth and weaning weights of lambs from BB and B+ ewes were lower than those of lambs born from ++ ewes (P < 0.01) owing to the high fecundity. The survival rate of lambs at weaning did not differ among groups (P > 0.05). Our results indicated that the presence of the B allele had an additive effect on litter size after artificial insemination, but it did not influence the parameters of estrus synchronization and multiple ovulation. Furthermore, the higher prolificacy in ewes carrying the B allele was associated with a reduction in offspring body weight at birth and weaning.

Effects of CIDR, Vitamin A, E + Selenium on Reproductive Performance in Ewes of Anestrus Period

Bu çalışmada, Kıvırcık koyunlarında anöstrus döneminde CIDR ve Vitamin A, Vitamin E+Se uygulamalarının tek başına ve birlikte uygulamanın döl verimi üzerine etkileri belirlenmiştir. Koyunlar 5 gruba ayrılmış, grup 1'de yer alan 20 baş koyuna 0.33 g progesteron içeren CIDR'ler vajinaya yerleştirilmiş, 14 gün sonunda çıkarılmış ve tüm koyunlara kas içi 500 IU Gebe Kısrak Serumu Hormonu (GKSH) enjekte edilmiştir. Grup 2'de yer alan 20 baş koyuna CIDR + Vitamin A + E + Se kombinasyonu uygulanmıştır. 3. gruptaki 20 baş koyuna Vitamin A (2 ml/baş), 4. Gruptaki 20 baş koyuna ise Vitamin E + Se (2 ml/baş) yapılmış ve 18 koyunun yer aldığı son grup ise kontrol grubu olarak adlandırılmıştır. Uygulamaları takip eden 24. saatte sürüye koçlar katılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlar bakımından CIDR, CIDR + Vitamin A + E + Se, Vitamin A, Vitamin E + Se ve kontrol gruplarında sırasıyla gebelik oranı (%95.0, %100.0, %100.0, %100.0, %83.3), kuzulama oranı (%95.0, %100.0, %100.0, %100.0, %83.3) ve üretkenliği (21.1, 30.0, 5.0, 10.0, 0.0) bulunmuştur (P&amp;lt;0.05). Sonuç olarak CIDR, Vitamin A ve Vitamin E + Se'nin tek başına ve kombinasyon halinde uygulanmasının, Kıvırcık koyunlarında üreme performansını arttırdığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.

Effect of Dietary Omega-3 Poli Unsaturated Fatty Acids During the Flushing Period on Reproductive Performance of Karayaka Ewes

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of supplemented omega 3 poly unsaturated fatty acids on fertility of Karayaka sheep during the flushing period. This trial was arranged on 3-4 year old, average 55±0.5 kg live weight, 80 head Karayaka sheep were distributed completely Randomize into 4 groups. Oestrus synchronization was performed in the three groups of sheep except for control group. Experimental groups were pasture, pasture (oestrus synchronization), barley and Omega-3. Progeny yields were determined as 80 % in the control, 125 % in the pasture, 116 % in the barley and 135% in the omega-3 groups.The highest twin birth was observed in omega 3 group (44%), follwed by pasture group (33%) and barley group (24%). The results indicated that, addition of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to supplemental feeds increased fertility of Karayaka sheep.

Effects of Partial Replacement of Conventional with Alternative Feeds on Nutrient Intake, Digestibility, Milk Yield and Composition of Awassi Ewes and Lambs.

Simple SummaryAlternative feeds have been used to feed animals for decades by replacing traditional feeds to increase the profit of raising livestock. In this study, alternative feeds (dried distillers grains with solubles, carob pods, olive cake, and bread by-product) were fed to Awassi ewes and ewe lambs at 0, 200, and 400 g/kg. Chemical composition was similar among diets. Feed intake, body weight change, and milk yield did not differ among diets. Cost of milk production decreased in alternative feeds containing diets, with no negative effect on health, welfare, and productivity.Two experiments were done to assess the effects of alternative feeds (AF; dried distillers grains with solubles, carob pods, olive cake, and bread by-product) on lactating performance of ewes and digestibility and nitrogen (N) retention of lambs. Diets were: no AF (CON); 200 g/kg AF (AF200); and 400 g/kg AF (AF400). In Experiment 1, 27 Awassi ewes were randomly distributed into three groups, and each was fed one of the diets described before (9 ewes/diet). Evaluation of milk composition and yield was performed at the beginning of the experiment and on days 18, 36, and 54. In Experiment 2, 18 Awassi lambs were allocated to the same diets (6 ewe lambs/diet) during a 21-day trial (14 days housed individually in shaded pens and 7 days in metabolic cages). In Experiment 1, no differences in body weight (BW) of the ewes and their lambs were detected. With the exception of neutral detergent fiber intake, which was lower in the AF-containing diets compared with CON, dry matter, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber intake were not affected by dietary treatment. Milk yield and composition was comparable among diets, and the cost of milk production was lower in AF compared to CON diet. In Experiment 2, nutrient digestibility and N retention were not affected by the diet. Results showed the possibility of including different AF in ewe and lamb diets to mitigate production cost without negatively affecting intake, milk yield, and composition, digestibility, and animal welfare and health.

Effect of arginine on physiological and reproductive performance of Awassi ewes

Effect of arginine on physiological and reproductive performance of Awassi ewes

Lifetime reproductive performance of Chokla sheep at an organized farm in semi-arid conditions

The Chokla sheep, renowned as the finest carpet wool producer of India, plays an important role in supporting the rural economy of the arid and semi-arid regions of its native state of Rajasthan. This study was carried out to assess the lifetime reproductive efficiency of Chokla ewes by analyzing the records of 1,001 ewes bearing 3,541 lambs over a period of 22 years (1994–2016) to assess five traits, namely total lambs born (TLB; 3.38±0.11 lambs), total lambs weaned (TLW; 2.97±0.11 lambs), cumulative lamb weights at birth (TLBW; 9.59±0.37 kg), weaning (TLWW; 39.59±1.68 kg) and 12 months of age (TLAW; 50.15±2.51 kg) produced by an ewe in her lifetime. Period of birth of ewe had a significant effect on all the traits whereas season of birth, inbreeding coefficient and birth weight of ewe had no influence. REML procedures were employed to estimate the genetic parameters through an animal model. Analysis revealed low heritability estimates for the lifetime reproductive traits (TLB; 0.06±0.04, TLW; 0.05±0.04, TLBW; 0.09±0.05, TLWW; 0.05±0.04 and TLAW; 0.02±0.04), suggesting greater role of environmental and managemental factors. Positive correlation among cumulative lamb weights (0.51–0.92) suggested selection for birth weights would result in higher weights at subsequent life stages of lambs. The low heritability estimates and high CV% for all the traits suggest the suitability of a management focussed approach for improvement of lifetime reproductive performance of ewes.