Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
M. Sc. Student, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal and Food Science, Ramin (Khuzestan) Agricultural and Natural Resources University, Mollasani, Ahvaz, Iran
2
Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal and Food Science, Ramin (Khuzestan) Agricultural and Natural Resources University, Mollasani, Ahvaz, Iran
3
Associate Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal and Food Science, Ramin (Khuzestan) Agricultural and Natural Resources University, Mollasani, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of royal jelly injection in comparison with different doses of eCG on Arabian ewe's reproductive efficiency in the short and long term estrous synchronization programs in non-breeding season. 72 Arabic breed ewes with age of two to five-year and average weight of 38.8±1.2 kg were used. Ewes were receiving intravaginal sponges for 6 days (36) and 12 days (36). At the time of sponge removal, each group was divided into three subgroups of 12 ewes, and they received 300, 600 IU eCG and a combination of 500 mg royal jelly and 300 IU eCG (eCG-RJ), respectively. Fertility rate was greater in 600 IU eCG and RJ-eCG treatment than 300 IU ewes (P<0.05). Barren rate and gestation period were lower in this treatment compare to 300 IU ewes (P<0.05). Weaning weight and net income and gross income were greater in RJ-eCG treatment than other groups (P<0.05). Oestrus incidence, prolificacy rate and mean of birth weight were not different between the treatments (P>0.05). Results demonstrate that MAP sponge with 6 days priming for oestrus induction in anoestrus ewes was as effective as 12-day treatment. Also, the treatments of RJ-eCG and 600 IU eCG in conjunction with sponge-MAP were similarly effective in induction of oestrus and improvement of fertility. However, from economic point of view, treatment of RJ-eCG showed better results and can be used to enhance the reproductive efficiency in the livestock.
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