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A note on the reproductive performance of greyface ewes in moderately fat and very fat condition at mating

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

S. M. Rhind
Affiliation:
Hill Farming Research Organisation, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PY
R. G. Gunn
Affiliation:
Hill Farming Research Organisation, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PY
J. M. Doney
Affiliation:
Hill Farming Research Organisation, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PY
I. D. Leslie
Affiliation:
Hill Farming Research Organisation, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PY
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Abstract

Oestrous activity, ovulation rates and embryo survival rates were investigated in Border Leicester × Scottish Blackface (Greyface) ewes with condition scores of approximately 2·75 (moderately fat) or 3·5 (very fat) at mating. Four of a group of 20 very fat ewes failed to show oestrus at the expected time. Very fat ewes had a higher mean ovulation rate (3·36 v. 2·33; P < 0·05) but a slightly lower potential lambing rate (1·10 v. 1·42 lambs born per ewe put to ram) than the moderately fatewes.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1984

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References

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