Lambing Rate as Influenced by Hormone-Induced Superovulation in Ewes Prior to Mating

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Forty-seven Rambouillet ewes were administered 33 mg. of FSH intramuscularly on the 13th day of the estrous cycle, followed by 25 mg. of LH administered intravenously at on set of estrus. Ewes were hand mated following LH injection. Thirty-six ewes served as controls. A significantly (<.01) greater proportion of control ewes produced lambs from first mating when compared with treated ewes. A significantly (P<.01) greater proportion of treated ewes, however, experienced multiple birth. Single lambs and lambs from control ewes were significantly (P<.01) heavier at birth than multiple birth lambs and lambs from treated ewes, respectively. Livability differences, although statistically non-significant, favored lambs from control ewes. The treatment resulted in no increase in lambing rate based on lambs living at 2 wk. of age, and thus in no economic advantage.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: