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Oestrous activity in three subtropical sheep breeds in Upper Egypt and response to long-day light treatment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

A. M. Aboul-Naga ,
H. Mansour ,
M. B. Aboul-Ela ,
M. T. Mousa ,
Ferial Hassan  and
F. El-Hommosi
A. M. Aboul-Naga
Affiliation:
Animal Production Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
H. Mansour
Affiliation:
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ain-Shams, Cairo, Egypt
M. B. Aboul-Ela
Affiliation:
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mansoura, Mansoura, Egypt
M. T. Mousa
Affiliation:
Animal Production Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
Ferial Hassan
Affiliation:
Animal Production Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
F. El-Hommosi
Affiliation:
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Assuit, Assuit, Egypt
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Summary

Oestrous activity in local Rahmani and Ossimi sheep and imported subtropical Awassi sheep at different times of the year in Upper Egypt and the effect of continuous exposure to long-day conditions from July till December on this activity was studied in 1986. The three breeds differed substantially in oestrous activity but differences did not seem to be directly related to latitude of origin. Rahmani ewes from the Nile Delta were mostly cyclic all year round; the percentage coming to oestrus each month never fell below 70%. Ossimi ewes originating from mid-Egypt had a very long breeding season; 74% had an anoestrous period of 68·8 days (v. 27% for Rahmani ewes). All Awassi ewes, except one, had an anoestrous period of 96·5 days on average.

Awassi ewes also showed more response to continuous exposure to long days (14 h) than Ossimi ewes, seen in a shorter reaction interval and a greater decrease in the percentage of ewes coming into oestrus (27 and 90% in control and treated Awassi ewes, respectively). The results indicated that changes in daylength, although small in subtropical regions, may be a major factor controlling seasonal changes in reproductive activity in subtropical sheep breeds, the more seasonal breed being more responsive to changes in daylength. The possibility of selection within these breeds for continuous reproductive activity is also indicated.

Type
Animals
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 116 , Issue 1 , February 1991 , pp. 139 - 143
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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References

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