Short term protein supplementation during a long interval prostaglandin-based protocol for timed AI in sheep

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive impact of a short-term protein supplementation on a long interval prostaglandin-based protocol (two PG injections 15  d apart; PG15) for timed artificial insemination in sheep. During the breeding season, 437 multiparous Merino ewes grazing native pastures (forage allowance of 6 kg of dry matter/100 kg of live weight; crude protein: 10.8%, metabolic energy: 2.1 Mcal/kg of dry matter) were selected. Ewes were a llocated, according to body condition score (3.2 ± 0.2) and body weight (40.6 ± 4.9 kg, mean ± SD), to a 2 × 2 factorial design: type of estrus –spontaneous estrus (SE) or induced with PG15 (PG15)–, and supplementation (yes or no) before insemination (+FF; soybean meal at Days −1 0 to −3; crude protein: 51.9%, metabolic energy: 2.8 Mcal/kg of dry matter; average consumption 0.9% live weight/ewe/day of dry matter).

Source: Theriogenology - March 22, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: N. Errandonea, S. Fierro, C. Vi ñoles, J. Gil, G. Banchero, J. Olivera-Muzante Source Type: research