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Effect of premating shearing on reproductive performance in ewe lambs after oestrus synchronization

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

J. V. O'Doherty  and
T. F. Crosby
J. V. O'Doherty
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University College Dublin, Lyons Estate, Newcastle, Co. Dublin, Ireland
T. F. Crosby
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University College Dublin, Lyons Estate, Newcastle, Co. Dublin, Ireland
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Summary

One hundred and fifty-four, March-born, lowland ewe lambs, on the Lyons Estate farm, were allocated to a 2×2 factorial experiment. In September 1987, half were shorn and 1 month later the lambs were treated with intravaginal sponges, containing either 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate or 40 mg fluorogestone acetate, for 12 days. Following sponge removal, ewes were mated to fertile rams at a ram: ewe ratio of 1:6. There was no significant difference in reproductive performance between the two progestagen treatments (P > 0·05). Premating shearing increased (P < 0·01) conception rate and reduced the percentage of barren ewes (P < 0·01) but there was no effect on litter size. Time of gestation following shearing was increased (P < 0·01) by 1·24 days. Lamb growth rate up to weaning was not affected by the shearing treatment. The results of this trial indicate positive advantages of premating shearing of ewe lambs.

Type
Animals
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 116 , Issue 1 , February 1991 , pp. 135 - 138
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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References

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