REPRODUCTIVE AND METABOLIC RESPONSES IN EWES TO DIETARY PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT DURING MATING PERIOD IN DRY SEASON OF NORTHEAST BRAZIL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/cab.v16i1.24613Keywords:
Animal ReproductionAbstract
This study evaluated the effect of food supplements with different levels of protein on reproductive and metabolic response of ewes during the mating period. Forty-one ewes were supplemented during 43 days with amount protein to meet 1.0 (diet I; n = 14), 1.7 (diet II; n = 13) and 2.1 (diet III; n = 14) times the maintenance requirements. Dry matter (DM) intake was higher (P < 0.01) in diet III when compared to diets I and II. Orts were lesser in diets II and III (P < 0.05) when compared to diet I. Intake of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) was higher in diet III (P < 0.05), but NDF and ADF intake was superior in diet I (P < 0.05). In diet III, a higher frequency of female mated was observed (P < 0.05). The prolificity and twinning rate was higher in ewes of diet II (P < 0.05). Greater birth weight of lambs (P < 0.05) was verified in diet III. The progesterone levels were affected by diets II and III (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of ewes with intermediate level of protein improves their reproductive response.
Keywords: estrus synchronization; mating; protein; sheep.
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