An evaluation of artificial insemination on breeding performance in a commercial pedigree flock of lleyn ewes

Extract

Artificial Insemination can be used in conjunction with controlled breeding to provide the following advantages. It can overcome the need for a 1 : 10 ram to ewe ratio, within a controlled breeding programme A.I. can be used to identify genetically superior sires, high merit rams may then be made more freely available to farmers so achieving higher rates of genetic improvement. As techniques within the U.K. have improved artificial insemination has now gained greater acceptance within the sheep industry. The objectives of this study were to examine the conception rates and litter sizes to first service, comparing natural and artificial insemination on a commercial farm.