Efficacy of reproductive biotechnologies applied in out-of-season turcana sheep

Abstract

This paper aimed at testing the efficacy of a well-known method of estrus induction and synchronization in out of season ewes of Turcana breed, kept under extensive conditions. We also aimed at comparatively evaluate the efficacy of natural cover versus artificial insemination with freshly collected and diluted semen. The study was carried out on a batch of 20 ewes in which out-of season estrus was induced using progestagens and PMSG. Subsequently, two groups of ten ewes each were formed and the females were subjected to natural breeding (group1, n=10) or artificial insemination with freshly collected and diluted semen (group 2, n=10). Fifty days later, pregnancy diagnosis by ultrasonography was performed. All sheep (100%) showed heat signs and were marked by the teaser ram following the estrus induction protocol. Pregnancy diagnosis and parturition supervision showed a fertility percentage of 80% and prolificacy of 137.5% for group 1, while in group 2, fertility was 60% and prolificacy 116.6%.