Effect of vitamins A, E and selenium and progestagen-PMSG on reproductive performance in Kivircik sheep

Abstract

The experiment was conducted on 102 Kivircik ewes (2-5 years age), during the anestrus period (spring to early summer) which were allocated randomly into two groups, group A of 72 and group B of 30 ewes. Group A; 72 ewes were synchronized using 30 mg FGA sponges inserted intravaginally for 14 days, plus 500 IU PMSG administered intramuscularly at sponge withdrawal At standing estrus ewes were natural mated (three cycles). Group B; Two commercial drugs were used for 30 ewes which were used three weeks before mating period. At first, the commercial vitamin preparations used in this group was Bavitsole containing 15.000 IU/ml Vitamin A (as vitamin A propionate) and vitamin E 20 mg/ml. This drug was injected intramuscularly one after the other during three days (before three weeks from mating season) 5 ml per ewe/per day. In the second application used in this group was Injacom E-selenium containing 150 mg/ml vitamin E and 0.5 mg/ ml selenium. This drug was injected intramuscularly 5 ml/per ewe once (at fourth day to follow vitamin application). Lambing percentage as a result of ram set free was similar in both groups. The mean for litter size per lambing ewe, was higher in group A than in group B (P<0.01). Ewes treated with vit A, E + Se expressed higher number of lambs reared to 70 days of age than treated with sponges + PMSG, mortality rate 2.25% and 3.57%, respectively in groups. The body weight of lambs on day 70 (23.4 and 21.5 kg) and daily live weight gains during first 70 days (265.4 and 234.4 kg) with sponges + PMSG and vit. A, E + Se respectively. Only the daily live weight gain was significantly different (P<0.05).