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Oestrous and ovarian activities of Finn-cross ewes during the post-partum and the seasonal anoestrous periods

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

D. Amir
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
Miriam Rosenberg
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
H. Schindler
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel

Summary

The seasonal and post-partum oestrus occurrence and ovarian activity, assessed by the plasma progesterone concentrations, were studied in Finn-cross ewes following autumn and winter lambings.

The last seasonal oestrous cycle was followed by a silent ovulation in C0% of the Finn × Awassi ewes. Silent ovulations during midanoestrus occurred in 50% of the ewes, and in 90% of the animals a silent ovulation preceded the normal resumption of the seasonal sexual activity.

The first post-partum oestrus occurred within C0 days after October lambings in about 90% of the ewes. Silent ovulations before the first post-partum oestrus were evident in 70% of the recycling ewes.

It is suggested that breeding ewes with ovarian activity after oestrus induction during anoestrous periods might increase the reproductive performance of the flock in a frequent lambing system.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1984

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