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The flock-mating of progestagen-synchronized ewes 3. A note on the influence of flock size upon mating behaviour and lambing performance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

M. J. Bryant
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, University of Reading, Earley Gate, Reading, RG6 2AT
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Abstract

Crossbred ewes in which the oestrous cycles had been synchronized by the use of progestagen-impregnated vaginal sponges were mated with Suffolk rams either as a single group of 68 ewes (G) or as four subgroups of 17 ewes (S) in 2 years. Ram:ewe ratio was 1:17 in both treatments. G rams performed more mounts and services than S rams. Non-return rate and lambing rate was better for S than G ewes, especially in Year 1, when fewer G ewes were served. Mating activity was greater in Year 2 than Year 1; prolificacy was also markedly improved.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1979

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References

REFERENCES

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