Improvement of Reproductive Performance of Sheep

This study was designed to assess the effect of hormonal estrous synchronization with Progesterone intravaginal sponges in reproductive efficiency in Hamary ewes. Time taken to display estrous, number of services per conception, conception rate (CR), gestation period (GP), lambing rate and twining rate were assessed. Thirty (30) apparently healthy multiparous Hamary ewes were employed. Their age between (3 - 4 years), beside Nine sexually mature fertile apparently healthy 2 -3 years old Hamary rams were used for natural services. The ewes were allocated randomly into 3 equal groups (10 each). The present study revealed that, there were no significant different (P>0.05) between time taken for display of estrous, number of services preconception, lambing rate and GP for the animal treated with Progesterone intravaginal sponges for 9 and 12 days followed by injection of eCG on the day of sponges removal compared to the control. In conclusion, insertion of Progesterone intravaginal sponges for 9 or 12 days followed by i.m injection of eCG on the day of sponges withdrawal is the effective protocol for improvement of reproductive performance of Hamary ewes.