External stimuli help restore post-partum ovarian activity in Pelibuey sheep
Article
Overview
Research
Identity
Additional Document Info
View All
Overview
abstract
Post-partum anestrus is a problem on farms, and its duration depends on the frequency and intensity of suckling which affects reproduction and production efficiency to become a determining economic factor. The aim of this study was to determine the post-partum reproductive response in ewe to a male effect with an ovulation induction protocol of five days using progesterone and the application of a metabolic restorative (MR; Metabolase ®). One hundred and twenty females were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: T1: Continuous suckling (CS; n = 29), T2: CS MR (n = 29), T3: CS Male Effect (ME; n = 32), and T4: CS MR ME. The percentage of females in ovulation, weight changes among females and lambs, the onset of estrus, calving, fecundity, and prolificacy were also determined. The ovulation percentage was higher in CS ME and CS MR ME (75.0 and 73.3%25) than in the other treatments. Weight changes in females and lambs were different among periods. The onset of estrus was similar for CS and CS MR (25.9 ± 1.9 and 25.7 ± 0.7 h, respectively). The calving percentage was higher for CS MR (86.2%25) than other treatments. Male presence positively affected the postpartum cyclic ovarian re-establishment and the metabolic restorative could even improve the fertility of hair ewes in continuous suckling with similar hormone protocol.
