New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research abstracts
Reproductive performance of seasonal ewes fed dry fat source during
their breeding season
H. H. Titi
Department of Animal Production
Faculty of Agriculture/University of Jordan
Amman 2-Jordan
htiti@ju.edu.jo
R. T. Kridli
Department of Animal Production
Faculty of Agriculture
Jordan University of Science and Technology
Irbid, Jordan
Abstract This experiment was conducted to
investigate the
effect of dry fat inclusion in the diet on reproductive performance of
Awassi ewes. Seventy-five dry Awassi ewes, 3–4 years of age, were
selected and divided randomly into three groups of 25 females each in a
completely randomised design. Treatment started 45 days before mating
using one of three totally mixed rations (TMR) containing 0, 3, or 5%
dry fat. Ewes were oestrally synchronised before mating and blood
samples were collected to determine serum progesterone concentrations.
Adding dry fat to diets did not increase plasma progesterone
concentrations, with no differences between both levels of the added
fat also. The overall conception rate for the first cycle was reduced (P
< 0.05) following the addition of dry fat. However, 5% supplemental
fat increased (P < 0.05) the second and third cycle
conception rates. The gestation length was increased (P <
0.05) by increasing the level of fat in the diet. A 3% level of dry fat
had no effect on litter size, twining rate or lambs’ birth weight.
However, feeding 5% supplemental fat adversely (P < 0.05)
affected these parameters. Based on these results, it appears that
adding dry fat to Awassi ewes’ diets does not improve reproductive
performance.
Keywords Awassi ewes; fat supplementation;
reproductive
performance
A06068; Online publication date 5 March 2008; Received 27 November
2006; accepted 8 November 2007
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 2008, Vol. 51:
25–32
0028–8233/08/5101–0025 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2008
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