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Aiche S, Smail F, Chikhaoui M, Hariche Z, Abdelhadi SA. Influence of body condition score during late pregnancy on the variations of biochemical parameters and lamb stillbirths in Rembi ewes. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:128. [PMID: 36952100 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03551-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
The transition period in ewes is associated with a lot of changes, such as metabolic disorder due to the mobilization of body reserves, behavior trouble, food intake, and some changes in body condition score (BCS). This knowledge led us to hypothesize the influence of BCS in ewes during late pregnancy on the variations of biochemical parameters and its influence on the survival of lambs. In order to assess how BCS affected changes in biochemical parameters and lamb stillbirth, blood samples were collected in heparin tubes from forty-nine randomly chosen ewes of the Rembi breed that were clinically healthy and at the end of their pregnancies. The results showed that glucose (Glu) and urea values were highly influenced by the BCS (P < 0.001), while cholesterol (CHL) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were significantly influenced by the BCS (P 0.05). We also noted a highly significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the concentration of plasma of Glu and CHL in ewes with BCS = 4 compared to those with BCS = 2, recording a negative correlation (Glu and BCS, r = - 0.52; P = 0.0001) and (CHL and BCS, r = - 0.36; P = 0.009). In contrary, serum urea values were highly increased in ewes with BCS = 4 compared to those with BCS = 2 with a positive correlation (urea and BCS, r = 0.72; P = 0.001). On the other hand, the highest rate of lamb mortality was recorded in ewes with BCS = 4 compared to those who had a BCS = 2 with a significant difference (P < 0.05). During late pregnancy, poor body condition or obesity of ewes were predisposing factors for metabolic disease and lamb stillbirths, which can cause significant economic losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souad Aiche
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria.
- Reproduction of Farm's Animals Laboratory, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria.
| | - Fadhéla Smail
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria
- Laboratory of Research on Local Animal Products, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - Mira Chikhaoui
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria
- Laboratory of Research on Local Animal Products, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - Zahira Hariche
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - Si Ameur Abdelhadi
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria
- Reproduction of Farm's Animals Laboratory, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria
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Yang Y, Tummaruk P, Angkawanish T, Langkaphin W, Chatdarong K. Seasonal Effects on Body Condition and Characteristics of the Estrous Cycle in Captive Asian Elephants ( Elephas maximus) in Thailand: A Retrospective Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071133. [PMID: 37048389 PMCID: PMC10093222 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of season on the body condition score (BCS), the characteristics of the estrous cycle (luteal phase [LPL], follicular phase [FPL], estrous cycle [ECL] lengths, and the start of the luteal phase [SLP] and follicular phase [SFP]), and progesterone levels (baseline and peak) of eight captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand. From 2014 to 2019, blood samples were collected weekly for serum progesterone enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). Estrous cycles (n = 70), including the luteal and follicular phases, and BCS (n = 70) were recorded. Based on the BCS, the LPL, FPL, and ECL were assigned to the following two groups: normal (BCS = 3.0-4.0, n = 38) and overweight (BCS = 4.5-5.0, n = 32). The findings demonstrated that there was no difference in LPL between the groups. However, in the normal group, the ECL was one week longer (14.9 ± 1.7 vs. 13.9 ± 1.7 weeks; p < 0.05), and the FPL also tended to be one week longer (7.2 ± 1.7 vs. 6.4 ± 1.5 weeks; p = 0.06) than in the overweight group. The mean progesterone level during the rainy, hot, and cool seasons was not statistically different. Based on the yearly averaged BCS from three seasons, the baseline and peak levels of progesterone were classified into the normal (n = 16) and overweight (n = 12) groups. Females with a normal BCS tended to exhibit higher progesterone peak levels (p = 0.08). The majority of peaks appeared during the rainy season (53.57%). The BCS was highest during the hot (4.47) and rainy (4.38) seasons, but not during the cool (4.12) season. The LPL, FPL, and ECL were not affected by the season in which the luteal phase occurred. On the other hand, the rainy season had a significant effect on the SFP, resulting in a longer LPL (p < 0.05) and ECL (p = 0.01); both were the longest during the rainy season. In conclusion, the effects of season on BCS may be related to characteristics of the estrous cycle and peak progesterone levels. Ultimately, these findings provide ground knowledge to assist elephant managers and owners in planning breeding activities using seasonal effects and BCS measurements in tropical climates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Yang
- Research Unit of Obstetrics and Reproduction in Animals, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Padet Tummaruk
- Research Unit of Obstetrics and Reproduction in Animals, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Taweepoke Angkawanish
- The Thai Elephant Conservation Center, National Elephant Institute of Thailand, The Forest Industry Organization, Lampang 52190, Thailand
| | - Warangkhana Langkaphin
- The Thai Elephant Conservation Center, National Elephant Institute of Thailand, The Forest Industry Organization, Lampang 52190, Thailand
| | - Kaywalee Chatdarong
- Research Unit of Obstetrics and Reproduction in Animals, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Sifuentes-Lamónt PI, Meza-Herrera CA, Véliz-Deras FG, Alvarado-Espino AS, Alvarado-Espino AV, Calderón-Leyva G, Angel-Garcia O, Carrillo-Moreno DI, Contreras-Villarreal V, Delgado González RA, Bustamante-Andrade JA. Multifaceted Interplay among Social Dominance, Body Condition, Appetitive and Consummatory Sexual Behaviors, and Semen Quality in Dorper Rams during Out-Of-Season and Transition Periods. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233339. [PMID: 36496859 PMCID: PMC9737712 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Dorper rams (n = 24) were evaluated during the sexual resting season to determine their social rank (SR), either high (HSR) or low (LSR), under intensive management conditions in northern Mexico (25° N). Aggressive behaviors were quantified during male-to-male interactions, and appetitive and consummatory sexual behaviors during male-to-female interactions. Morphometric, live weight (LW), and body condition score (BCS) were recorded. During the early reproductive season, male-to-female behaviors were newly itemized simultaneously by seminal quality and quantity sampling. Finally, the dependent variables of the hemogram components were also quantified. Neither LW (61.25 ± 2.4 kg) nor morphometric variables differed between SR groups. However, BCS (2.25 vs. 2.66 u), sexual behaviors (i.e., approaches: 59.6 vs. 21.73 n, mating with ejaculation: 77.7 vs. 42.86 %, latency to ejaculation: 16.6 vs. 143.07 s), ejaculate volume (0.57 vs. 0.23 mL), and hemogram components favored the HSR rams (p < 0.05). Moreover, in their first male-to-female interaction, >50% of the LSR rams failed to display any sexual activity. HSR rams displayed a greater number of threatening behaviors, managing to displace LSR rams when exposed to estrus ewes during the male sexual resting season; more sexual behaviors; and an increased seminal volume in a non-live weight-dependent fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo I. Sifuentes-Lamónt
- Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Unidad Laguna, Periférico Raúl López Sánchez y Carretera a Santa Fe, Torreon 27054, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Cesar A. Meza-Herrera
- Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Unidad Regional Universitaria de Zonas Áridas, Bermejillo, 35230, Durango, Mexico
- Correspondence: or (C.A.M.-H.); (F.G.V.-D.)
| | - Francisco G. Véliz-Deras
- Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Unidad Laguna, Periférico Raúl López Sánchez y Carretera a Santa Fe, Torreon 27054, Coahuila, Mexico
- Correspondence: or (C.A.M.-H.); (F.G.V.-D.)
| | - Alan S. Alvarado-Espino
- Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Unidad Laguna, Periférico Raúl López Sánchez y Carretera a Santa Fe, Torreon 27054, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Ariadna V. Alvarado-Espino
- Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Unidad Laguna, Periférico Raúl López Sánchez y Carretera a Santa Fe, Torreon 27054, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Calderón-Leyva
- Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Unidad Laguna, Periférico Raúl López Sánchez y Carretera a Santa Fe, Torreon 27054, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Oscar Angel-Garcia
- Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Unidad Laguna, Periférico Raúl López Sánchez y Carretera a Santa Fe, Torreon 27054, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Dalia I. Carrillo-Moreno
- Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Unidad Laguna, Periférico Raúl López Sánchez y Carretera a Santa Fe, Torreon 27054, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Viridiana Contreras-Villarreal
- Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Unidad Laguna, Periférico Raúl López Sánchez y Carretera a Santa Fe, Torreon 27054, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Ramón A. Delgado González
- Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Unidad Laguna, Periférico Raúl López Sánchez y Carretera a Santa Fe, Torreon 27054, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Jorge A. Bustamante-Andrade
- Facultad de Agricultura y Zootecnia, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Gómez Palacio 35111, Durango, Mexico
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Pellicer-Rubio MT, Laignel G, Thomas Y, Prache S, Benoit M, Tournadre H. Reproductive performance in two organic sheep farming systems differing by the number of mating sessions in and out of the breeding season. Theriogenology 2022; 195:238-248. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Tozlu Celik H, Aslan FA, Kasko Arıcı Y, Kahveci ME, Kiper İ. Determining the factors affecting the gestational length in sheep. Arch Anim Breed 2021; 64:83-89. [PMID: 34084906 PMCID: PMC8132457 DOI: 10.5194/aab-64-83-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This research aimed to determine the effects of body weight, the body condition score
(BCS), body measurements, birth type (single offspring or twin birth), birth weight and sex on the gestational length in sheep
(n=111). Karayaka sheep raised on a private farm were used in the study. Progeny yield
characteristics in sheep were also determined (n=139). Estrus was monitored daily using teaser
rams from August to September 2016. According to our findings, the pregnancy rate, infertility rate,
fecundity, and twin and single birth rates were 93.52 %, 6.48 %, 93.52 %, 14.62 % and
85.38 % respectively. The effect of age on the BCS in sheep at mating was found to be significant
(P<0.05): BCS decreased as age increased. It was determined that there was a positive
association between the BCS and live weight during the mating period (P<0.001). The chest
circumference, front shin circumference and body length were found to be higher in sheep with a BCS ≥4.5 at mating time (P<0.01). The middle rump width was significantly affected by the BCS
(P<0.001). In this study, the lowest and highest gestational lengths were found to be 148.90
and 151.41 d respectively. The gestational length in sheep was
not found to be affected by age, the BCS, body measurements, sex or birth type (P>0.05); however, it was observed that the gestational lengths for male offspring and single offspring (non-multiple births) were longer. In
addition, it was detected that the gestational length was different in sheep with a BCS ≥4.5. The time spent in the womb is important with respect to obtaining a healthy lamb. For
profitable production, a BCS of between 2.5 and 4 is recommended in sheep. It
is thought that the use of body condition scoring, which is easy information for the breeder to utilize, will
have a positive effect on determining the bodily reserves of sheep and the reproductive efficiency as well as on
obtaining a healthy lamb. More studies on the gestational length in sheep are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Tozlu Celik
- Department of Food Processing, Ulubey Vocational School, Ordu University, 52850 Ulubey, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Fatih Ahmet Aslan
- Department of Chemical and Chemical Processing Technologies, Ulubey Vocational School, Ordu University, 52850 Ulubey, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Yeliz Kasko Arıcı
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, 52000 Altınordu, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Metehan Eser Kahveci
- Veterinary Department, Ulubey Vocational School, Ordu University, 52850 Ulubey, Ordu, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Kiper
- Ordu Sheep and Goat Breeders' Association, 52000 Altınordu, Ordu, Turkey
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Nguyen QV, Le HV, Nguyen DV, Nish P, Otto JR, Malau-Aduli BS, Nichols PD, Malau-Aduli AEO. Supplementing Dairy Ewes Grazing Low Quality Pastures with Plant-Derived and Rumen-Protected Oils Containing Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Pellets Increases Body Condition Score and Milk, Fat, and Protein Yields. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:E241. [PMID: 30572585 PMCID: PMC6316841 DOI: 10.3390/ani8120241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Australian dairy sheep industry is small and mostly based on a natural grass grazing system, which can limit productivity. The current study tested different plant oil-infused and rumen protected polyunsaturated fats and their interactions with sire breeds to improve lactation traits and body condition scores (BCS) of ewes grazing low quality pastures. It was hypothesised that supplementing lactating ewe's diets with plant-derived polyunsaturated oils would improve milk production and composition without compromising BCS. Sixty ewes (n = 10/treatment) in mid-lactation, balanced by sire breed, parity, milk yield, body condition score, and liveweight, were supplemented with: (1) control: wheat-based pellets without oil inclusion; wheat-based pellets including; (2) canola oil (CO); (3) rice bran oil (RBO); (4) flaxseed oil (FSO); (5); safflower oil (SFO); and (6) rumen protected marine oil containing eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (RPO). Except for the control group, all supplementary diets included the same level of 50 mL/kg DM of oil and all diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Experimental animals were grazed in the same paddock with ad libitum access to pasture, hay, and water during the 10-week study. RPO was the most effective diet that enhanced milk, fat, and protein yields by approximately 30%, 13%, and 31%, respectively (p < 0.0001). A significant increase in milk production was also observed with CO, RBO, and SFO treatments (p < 0.0001). Breed significantly influenced animal performance with higher milk yields recorded for crossbred Awassi × East Friesian (AW × EF) (578 g/day) vs. purebred Awassi (452 g/day) (p < 0.0001). This study provides empirical evidence for the use of rumen-protected and plant-derived oil-infused pellets as supplements under low quality pasture grazing conditions to improve the production performance of purebred Awassi and crossbred AW × EF ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quang V Nguyen
- Animal Genetics and Nutrition, Veterinary Sciences Discipline, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
- College of Economics and Techniques, Thai Nguyen University, Thai Nguyen 252166, Vietnam.
| | - Hung V Le
- Animal Genetics and Nutrition, Veterinary Sciences Discipline, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
- National Institute of Animal Science, Thuy Phuong, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi 129909, Vietnam.
| | - Don V Nguyen
- Animal Genetics and Nutrition, Veterinary Sciences Discipline, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
- National Institute of Animal Science, Thuy Phuong, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi 129909, Vietnam.
| | - Peter Nish
- TasHerd Pty Limited, P.O. Box 68, Hadspen TAS 7290, Australia.
| | - John R Otto
- Animal Genetics and Nutrition, Veterinary Sciences Discipline, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | - Bunmi S Malau-Aduli
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | - Peter D Nichols
- Animal Genetics and Nutrition, Veterinary Sciences Discipline, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
- CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, P.O. Box 1538, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia.
| | - Aduli E O Malau-Aduli
- Animal Genetics and Nutrition, Veterinary Sciences Discipline, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
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HASHEMI MAJID, SAFDARIAN MAZAHER, HASHEMI SEYEDMOHAMMADREZA. Effect of extender type and cold storage of fresh semen on reproductive indices of Karakul ewe following fixed time artificial insemination. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v88i11.85028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Semen quantity and quality are affected by transportation and frequent semen collection in ram when they are transported from nucleus flock to target farms for in situ artificial insemination (AI) of ewes with fresh semen. The current study was designed to introduce the best method of fresh semen preservation for fixed time AI in Karakul sheep. The adult Karakul ewes were allocated to 6 groups (30 ewes in each group) during the breeding season and each group was inseminated with one of the following treatments, viz. fresh semen without extender, fresh semen diluted with Tris-egg yolk or milk, cooled semen (stored at 10°C for 8 h) without extender, and cooled semen diluted with Tris-egg yolk or milk. Lambing and fecundity rates were the highest when ewe was inseminated with undiluted fresh semen (71.42 and 85.71%, respectively). These reproductive indices in ewes, which were inseminated with diluted fresh semen or undiluted cooled semen were significantly lower than those recorded in inseminated ewes with undiluted fresh semen. The type of extender and storage of diluted semen at 10°C for 8 h did not significantly affect lambing rate of Karakul ewe. Results suggested that use of undiluted fresh semen and diluted fresh semen in milk or Tris-egg yolk extenders are preferable for fixed time AI in ewes of genetic improvement center and Karakul sheep flocks located near to this center, respectively.
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Cam MA, Garipoglu AV, Kirikci K. Body condition status at mating affects gestation length, offspring yield and return rate in ewes. Arch Anim Breed 2018. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-61-221-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. The present study was planned to determine the effect of ewe
body condition score (BCS) and parities on fertility, return rate, gestation
length, fecundity, litter size and lamb birth weight. Data were collected
from 284 heads of ewes with first to fifth parity and raised at a state farm
for three consecutive (2002–2004) years. Teaser rams were used to monitor
estrus twice daily in the morning and in the evening from September to
October. BCSs and body weights (BWs) were recorded at mating and postpartum.
The ewes, at mating time in breeding season and within first 6 h after the
expulsion of fetal membranes, were divided into four groups on the basis of
their BCS: thin (BCS = ≤ 2.0; n=70; 38), medium
(BCS = 2.5–3.0; n=122; 142), fat (BCS = 3.5–4.0; n=72; 59) and
very fat (BCS = ≥ 4.5; n= 20;17). BCSs and BWs of ewes at
postpartum were highly correlated with lamb birth weight (R=0.486,
P < 0.01, and R=0.130, P < 0.05, respectively). BCSs and BWs of
ewes at postpartum had positive effects on lamb birth weight
(Y=3.43 ± 0.10 + 0.130 + 0.047 ewe body condition score
(EBCS), P < 0.01;
Y= 2.92 ± 0.42 + 0.018 ± 0.009 ewe body weight
(EBW), P < 0.05 kg of lamb birth weight
per BCS and kilogram of ewe live weight, respectively). The fertility rate,
litter size and fecundity were higher in the medium and fat groups than thin
and very fat groups (χ2= 10.607, P < 0.01). The BW and BCS at
postpartum affected gestation length positively (P < 0.05). Return rate
or number of coitus for conception were higher (P < 0.05) in thin and
very fat groups than medium and fat groups. The data revealed that the ewes
with medium and fat body condition (BCS = 2.5–4.0) scores were
profitable.
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Karakuş F, Atmaca M. The effect of ewe body condition at lambing on growth of lambs and colostral specific gravity. Arch Anim Breed 2016. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-59-107-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. This study was carried out on 60 Norduz ewes to determine the effect of ewe body condition at lambing on growth of lambs and colostral specific gravity. Body condition score (BCS), ranging from 2.5 to 3.5, had no effect on lamb live weight at birth, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of age (P > 0.05). The average colostral specific gravity determined as 1.049 was not affected by body condition of ewes. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.436) was observed between condition score and live weight of ewes (P < 0.001). The results of this study suggest that BCS is not a reliable estimator of live weight for Norduz ewes.
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Gavojdian D, Cziszter LT, Budai C, Kusza S. Effects of behavioral reactivity on production and reproduction traits in Dorper sheep breed. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Vatankhah M, Talebi M, Zamani F. Relationship between ewe body condition score (BCS) at mating and reproductive and productive traits in Lori-Bakhtiari sheep. Small Rumin Res 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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