Determining the factors affecting the gestational length in sheep
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Published:2021-02-23
Issue:1
Volume:64
Page:83-89
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ISSN:2363-9822
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Container-title:Archives Animal Breeding
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Arch. Anim. Breed.
Author:
Tozlu Celik HilalORCID, Aslan Fatih Ahmet, Kasko Arıcı Yeliz, Kahveci Metehan EserORCID, Kiper İbrahim
Abstract
Abstract. This research aimed to determine the effects of body weight, the body condition score
(BCS), body measurements, birth type (single offspring or twin birth), birth weight and sex on the gestational length in sheep
(n=111). Karayaka sheep raised on a private farm were used in the study. Progeny yield
characteristics in sheep were also determined (n=139). Estrus was monitored daily using teaser
rams from August to September 2016. According to our findings, the pregnancy rate, infertility rate,
fecundity, and twin and single birth rates were 93.52 %, 6.48 %, 93.52 %, 14.62 % and
85.38 % respectively. The effect of age on the BCS in sheep at mating was found to be significant
(P<0.05): BCS decreased as age increased. It was determined that there was a positive
association between the BCS and live weight during the mating period (P<0.001). The chest
circumference, front shin circumference and body length were found to be higher in sheep with a BCS ≥ 4.5 at mating time (P<0.01). The middle rump width was significantly affected by the BCS
(P<0.001). In this study, the lowest and highest gestational lengths were found to be 148.90
and 151.41 d respectively. The gestational length in sheep was
not found to be affected by age, the BCS, body measurements, sex or birth type (P>0.05); however, it was observed that the gestational lengths for male offspring and single offspring (non-multiple births) were longer. In
addition, it was detected that the gestational length was different in sheep with a BCS ≥ 4.5. The time spent in the womb is important with respect to obtaining a healthy lamb. For
profitable production, a BCS of between 2.5 and 4 is recommended in sheep. It
is thought that the use of body condition scoring, which is easy information for the breeder to utilize, will
have a positive effect on determining the bodily reserves of sheep and the reproductive efficiency as well as on
obtaining a healthy lamb. More studies on the gestational length in sheep are required.
Publisher
Copernicus GmbH
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