Investigating the Effectiveness of Nutrition on the Sexual and Breeding Behaviors in Ghezel Sheep

This study aims at investigating the effectiveness of nutritional supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and ammonia on the sexual and breeding behaviors in Ghezel sheep. To this end, 28 three and half-year old ewes (50±3 kilograms) with the record of giving birth to two lambs and 4 three-year old (90±3.5 kilograms) rams were used. The ewes were divided into two groups of A (i.e., treatment) and B (i.e., control) with 14 ewes in each group. The treatment group received 40 grams of the compound 7 days before and 7 days after sexual intercourse. The results demonstrate that the treatment group showed sexual receptivity behavior earlier than the control group. Also, such a behavior in the treatment group was accomplished in a shorter period of time than the control group. Moreover, in the treatment group, the breeding rate was demonstrated to be higher than the control group. Nevertheless, the measurement of estrogen, calcium, and phosphate in three different stages showed no significant differences between the two groups. The receptivity power (i.e., the number of successful jumping permission) and the new-born lambs’ weight were not reported to be significant. The current study demonstrated that livestock supplements (nutrients) improve the livestock’s health and sexual behavior. In addition, such supplements have a positive influence on breeding rate.

Livestock Compound, Sexual Behavior, Reproductive Behavior, Ghezel Sheep