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Controlling reproduction in sheep

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

W. Haresign
W. Haresign
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, University of Nottingham School of Agriculture, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD
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Abstract

Intravaginal progestagen pessaries + pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) for controlling the oestrous cycle and for inducing out-of-season breeding have been commercially available for many years. However, extremely good mating management is required if acceptable results are to be achieved. More recently the role of the pineal hormone, melatonin, in the regulation of seasonal breeding has been recognized, and this has led to the development of slow-release formulations for use under farm conditions. Early indications are that such preparations can advance the breeding season by about 4 to 6 weeks, with lambing percentages in early (January) lambing flocks comparable with those of traditional (March) lambing flocks.

Recent developments in the use of laparoscopy as an aid to intrauterine insemination and multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) should play a major role in breed improvement. Intrauterine insemination can markedly improve conception rates following the use of frozen semen compared with the conventional cervical technique, as well as eliminating the incidence of fertilization failure in embryo transfer donors. In addition, laparoscopic collection and transfer of embryos permit repeated collections from the same donor ewes and are much more acceptable than surgical techniques from the welfare point of view.

Type
Research Article
Information
BSAP Occasional Publication , Volume 14: New Developments in Sheep Production , January 1990 , pp. 23 - 37
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Production 1990

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References

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