Ewe and lamb behaviour at parturition in prolific and non-prolific sheep

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. H. Fahmy ◽  
S. Robert
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Contact Time ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Foetal Membranes ◽  
Ewe Lamb

This study was conducted to investigate ewe and lamb behaviour at parturition in prolific and non-prolific sheep. Observations were taken on 16 Romanov (R), 16 Finnsheep (F) and 13 Suffolk (S) ewes at their first and second parturitions. Time intervals between displaying first signs of uneasiness and first contraction, rupture of foetal membranes bag and first contraction, sighting the first lamb and expulsion of the last lamb, and contact time between ewes and their litters were assessed and correlated with litter size, and litter weight at birth and at weaning. Romanov ewes had the largest litters (3.02), took longer to deliver (120.7 min), and interacted more with their lambs (30.9 min) after lambing. F and S ewes were similar in many behavioural traits despite significant differences in number and weight of lambs delivered. Prolific R and F ewes lambing single and twin lambs delivered them faster than S ewes with similar litter sizes. Duration of lambing was significantly correlated with ewe–lamb contact but only for the two prolific breeds (r = 0.51 and 0.76 for R and F, respectively). Ewe-lamb contact was also correlated with litter size (r = 0.83), litter weight at birth (r = 0.72) and at weaning (r = 0.47) but only in F ewes. For R, F, and S ewes lambing litters of one and two lambs, the average intervals between first sight of a lamb and its expulsion were 9.2, 20.8, and 25.8 min, the intervals between expulsion and standing were 37.0, 18.6, and 19.6 min, and between standing and suckling, 24.2,20.4, and 27.2 min per lamb, respectively. The average contact time between a ewe and each of her lambs was 13.1, 8.8, and 11.0 min, respectively. The corresponding intervals for R and F ewes lambing up to four lambs were 10.3 and 11.1, 43.3 and 21.4, 35.7 and 25.6, and 8.8 and 7.8 min (P > 0.05) per lamb, respectively. The data showed several differences between prolific and non-prolific sheep in behavioural traits at birth. Key words: Maternal behaviour: Lamb behaviour, Romanov, Finnsheep, Prolific sheep

scholarly journals REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OVER FOUR PARITIES OF GILTS STIMULATED TO EARLY ESTRUS AND MATED AT FIRST, SECOND OR THIRD OBSERVED ESTRUS

1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 483-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. G. YOUNG ◽  
G. J. KING ◽  
J. S. WALTON ◽  
I. McMILLAN ◽  
M. KLEVORICK
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Age Difference ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Mating Group ◽  
Average Litter Size ◽  
Average Total Number

One hundred and eighty-seven gilts that were moved, regrouped and exposed to a mature boar at approximately 140 ± 3 d of age and subsequently farrowed to assigned mating at first, second, or third observed estrus as gilts were used to evaluate reproductive performance over four parities. Over the four parities, the average number of litters per initial sow (3.22–3.25); the average litter size 21 d postfarrow (8.3 to 8.6); the average total number of piglets weaned per initial sow (26.9 – 27.7); the number of sows completing four parities (37–40); the average litter weight at 21 d postfarrow (146–148 kg) were similar for each mating group. The age difference of 36.8 d at first mating between those mated on first or third estrus as gilts was maintained until 28 d postfarrowing after the fourth parity (37.1 d). Overall, reproductive performance after four parities was similar for gilts mated at first, second or third observed estrus. Key words: Pigs, reproduction, mating, longevity

THE ACCUMULATIVE EFFECT OF FINNSHEEP BREEDING IN CROSSBREEDING SCHEMES: REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE

1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
MOHAMED H. FAHMY ◽  
JACQUES J. DUFOUR
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Linear Regressions ◽  
Size At Birth

Reproductive performance and body weight were studied on 361 ewes, representing Finnsheep (F), DLS (a population of 1/2 Dorset, 1/4 Leicester, 1/4 Suffolk) and seven combinations ranging from 1/8 to 7/8 Finnsheep breeding. Conception rate in yearlings was 61.5% for DLS compared to 89.0% for F with the crosses being intermediate. Conception rate in older ewes was similar in the different genetic groups (avg. 94%). Ovulation rate and litter size at birth of DLS ewes were 1.72 and 1.44 lambs, which was less than half those of F ewes (3.51 and 2.86 lambs, respectively). Both traits increased progressively with an increase in F breeding in crosses and with advances in age. DLS ewes weaned 1.22 lambs compared to 2.03 lambs for F ewes and 1.84 lambs for 4/8 F ewes. The heaviest litters at weaning (31.7 kg) were raised by 4/8 F ewes, followed by 7/8 F (30.8 kg) while those raised by DLS ewes weighed 23.0 kg and F ewes 29.1 kg. Percentage of ova lost per ewe mated averaged 24% and ranged between 18% (DLS and 1/8 F) and 29% (6/8 F). About 3.6% of lambs were born dead and a further 13.8% died before weaning. Preweaning mortality rate was highest in F (22.9%) and lowest in 3/8 F (9.4%). Average kilograms of lambs weaned per ewe exposed was highest in 4/8 F (27.6 kg) followed by F (26.0 kg), whereas that of DLS was the lowest at 18.1 kg. The 4/8 F cross showed 25% heterosis in kg of lambs weaned per ewe exposed and 52.5% increase over DLS. Significant positive linear regressions were calculated for ovulation rate, litter size and preweaning mortality rate on proportion of Finnsheep breeding in crosses. The relation was quadratic for percent ova lost and lamb mortality at weaning. Yearling DLS females weighted 36 kg compared to 44 kg for F yearlings. However, at 5 yr of age DLS ewes weighed 62 kg, 5 kg heavier than F ewes. The heaviest ewes at all ages were the 4/8 F (45 kg at 1 yr, 65 kg at 5 yr). Key words: Reproduction, DLS sheep, Finnsheep, crossbreeding, heterosis, repeatabilities

scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF THE DOE WEIGHT ON HER REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENY

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-142
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ebrahim Ahmed ◽  
Hussain Yawr Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
The Other ◽  
Gestation Period ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
The Third ◽  
Other Hand

Thirty-six local dose have been used and were divided in to three groups sacording to weight, in each group twelve dose. In the first group the weights of the dose were higher than ( 2.5 kgs) and less than (3 kgs). The second groups was higher than 3 kgs) and less than (3.5 kgs). The third group was higher than (3.5 kgs) and less than (4 kgs). The aim of this study was to obtain the effect of doe weight on her reproductive efficiency (gestation period, litter size, litter weight at birth and weaning, growth rate of offspring preweaning, conception rate and preweaning mortility).  The weight of the doe had no significant effect upon the gestation period and this period was 30.9, 31.2, 31.3 days for the three groups respectively, on the other hand the litter size was affected significantly by doe weight and litter size was at birth and preaweaning (5.1 , 5.8 and 6.2), (4.5, 5.3 and 5.7) for the three groups respectively. The offspring weight at birth and weaning was affected significantly by doe weight and this weight was (40.1 , 48.2 and 53.3 gms), (203.6, 227.5 and 233.8 gms) for the three groups respectively while the conception rate was not affected by doe weight. The mortility percentage in the prewaning period was not significantly by doe weight

scholarly journals The influence of adding estradiol to semen on reproductive performance of sows

1991 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 589-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. N. Kirkwood ◽  
P. A. Thacker
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
And Control ◽  
Estradiol 17Β

One hundred gilts and one hundred mixed-parity sows of Yorkshire and Landrace breeding were inseminated with semen with or without an additional 10 μg estradiol-17β. Pregnancy rates of gilts receiving estradiol-supplemented and control semen were 90 and 79%, respectively (P < 0.09). The estradiol supplementation of semen did not improve the pregnancy rates or litter size in sows. Key words: Swine, artificial insemination, estradiol

scholarly journals Effect of parity on reproductive performance sows of different breeds

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 434-441
Author(s):  
R. Klimas ◽  
A. Klimienė ◽  
W. Sobotka ◽  
W. Kozera ◽  
P. Matusevičius
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rate ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Large White ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Piglet Survival

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of parity on reproductive performance by sows of different breeds. The sows were raised on three farms, and had seven or more litters of not fewer than seven piglets. A total of 1511 litters from various parities of Lithuanian White (N =721), Large White (N = 162) and Landrace (N = 628) sows were contained in the data that were used in this study. Multiparous sows had larger litters than primiparous sows. Piglet survival rate declined from parity 7. An increase in litter size was observed until parity 5 in Large White and until parity 6 in improved Lithuanian White (P <0.05). In comparison with parity 1, Landrace sows up to parity 5 showed not only increased prolificacy, but also increased number and litter weight of piglets at 21 days old, and the number and litter weight of weaned piglets (P <0.01). The current findings indicate that sows of these breeds can be used effectively in breeding herds until parity 5 and parity 6.Keywords: Landrace, Large White, Lithuanian White, litter size

The influence of purified porcine relaxin on the reproductive performance of sows following artificial insemination with fresh or frozen semen

1991 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 237-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Thacker ◽  
A. D. Gooneratne ◽  
R. N. Kirkwood
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Frozen Semen

Pregnancy rates and litter sizes following insemination of sows with fresh-extended and frozen-thawed semen averaged 71 vs. 53% and 10.6 vs. 4.4, respectively, and was not affected by the addition of 12.5 μg relaxin to semen. These results indicate no relaxin mediated effect on either pregnancy rate or litter size when sows are artificially inseminated with relaxin-supplemented semen. Key words: Artificial insemination, relaxin, sows

Comparative farrowing to weaning performance in Meishan and Large White pigs and their crosses

1995 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. Lee ◽  
C. S. Haley
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Large White ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Probability Of Survival ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Litter Traits ◽  
Breed Differences

AbstractGrowth and survival from birth to weaning were monitored during three generations of crossbreeding between British Large White (LW) and Chinese Meishan (MS) pigs. The design allowed comparisons between sow genotypes ranging from zero to all MS genes, which were mated toLWor MS boars, to produce progeny with proportions of 0·0 to 0·5 or 0·5 to 1·0 MS genes, respectively. Crossbreeding parameters of both maternal and direct piglet performance were estimated for the first two parities using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methods for litter traits (litter weight at birth, litter mean and within litter standard deviation of piglet weight at birth, proportion surviving to weaning, litter size and weight at weaning and litter mean piglet weight at weaning) and for traits of the piglet (birth weight, probability of survival and weaning weight). For litter traits, the estimated contribution of the additive maternal effect to the breed differences (MS-LW) was significant for litter mean piglet birth weight (–0·46 (s.e. 0·04) kg), survival to weaning (0·15 (s.e. 0·02)), litter size at weaning (1·6 (s.e. 0·16) piglets), litter weaning weight (–11·2 (s.e. 3·8) kg) and litter mean piglet weaning weight (2·54 (s.e. 0·24) kg). Adding litter size and litter mean piglet birth weight to the model removed the additive maternal contribution to the breed differences in survival, and litter size and reduced that for litter mean piglet weaning weight. The contribution of the direct additive effect to the breed difference (MS-LW) was significant for the within litter standard deviation in birth weight (0·018 (s.e. 0·006)), survival to weaning (0·12 (s.e. 0·02)) and litter size (1·12 (s.e. 0·64)) and weight (11·6 (s.e. 4·0) kg) at weaning, but not for piglet weight at birth or weaning. Fitting litter size and litter mean birth weight had comparatively little impact on the direct additive effects. There were significant maternal heterosis effects for litter weight at birth and litter size and weight at weaning, the estimated deviation of the F1 from the midpoint of the two purebreds 3·22 (s.e. 0·55) kg, 2·20 (s.e. 0·47) piglets, and 20·1 (s.e. 3·3) kg respectively, but none for survival or piglet weights. There were direct heterosis effects for litter weight and litter mean piglet weights, the estimated deviation of the Fjfrom the mid point of the two purebreds being 1·16 (s.e. 0·41) kg and 0·14 (s.e. 0·02) kg, for survival to weaning (0·04 (s.e. 0·02)) and for litter weight (11·2 (s.e. 2·5) kg) and litter mean piglet weight (0·96 (s.e. 0·17) kg) at weaning. Fitting litter size and litter mean piglet birth weight removed or reduced both maternal and direct heterosis effects. Individual piglet analyses gave similar results to analyses of the equivalent sow trait. It was concluded that in litters born to MS cows, the lower piglet survival and lower weaning weights were related to the larger litter sizes and lower piglet birth weights. For their birth weight, however, MS piglets have a greater ability to survive and thrive. The large direct and maternal heterosis effects observed for litter and mean piglet weight at weaning werepartly associated with the heavier birth weight of the crossbred piglet.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Days to Conception, Litter Size and Litter Weight of Intensively Managed Canarian Hair Sheep

2010 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-264
Author(s):  
L. A. Bermejo ◽  
M. Mellado ◽  
J. Mata ◽  
J. R. Arévalo ◽  
L. De Nascimento ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Hair Sheep ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Intensively Managed

INFLUENCE OF BREED, BIRTH DATE, AGE AND BODY WEIGHT ON LINEAR BODY MEASUREMENTS OF GROWING RAMS MAINTAINED IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT

1984 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. N. B. SHRESTHA ◽  
D. P. HEANEY ◽  
P. S. FISER ◽  
G. A. LANGFORD
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Body Length ◽  
Birth Date ◽  
Controlled Environment ◽  
Body Measurements ◽  
Leg Length ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Linear Body

Heart girth (HG), body length (BL), leg length (LL), metacarpal circumference (MC), withers height (WH) and hook width (HW) of 233 growing rams of three synthetic strains, Suffolk and Finnsheep breeds were measured at 6, 8 and 10 mo of age. Thereafter, subsequent measurements were taken at 11–13 mo, 18–21 mo and 23–25 mo of age. Breed, birth period (hysterectomy derived birth date), age of ram and body weight (BW) had important effects (P < 0.05) on linear body measurements, whereas age of dam did not (P > 0.05). Significant effects of litter size on HG and BL were observed at 6 and 8 mo of age, respectively. All linear body measurements increased from 6 to 21 mo of age, whereas BL, WH and HW continued to increase to 25 mo. Rams of Strain 1, developed as a synthetic sire strain, with a large proportion of Suffolk background were generally similar to the Suffolk rams in all body measurements except for HG which was significantly larger than in Suffolk rams. The Finnsheep rams had smaller HG, BL, MC and HW than the synthetic strains and Suffolk rams, whereas LL and WH of the Finnsheep and Suffolk rams were similar. Rams of Strains 2 and 3, developed as synthetic dam strains with 50 percent Finnsheep background, were similar in body measurements. The synthetic dam strains did not differ from Strain 1 and/or Suffolk with respect to HG, BL, WH and HW. However, Suffolk rams had larger MC and shorter LL compared to those of the Strain 2 and 3 rams. Birth period had a significant effect on HG, BL, LL and MC, but no consistent trend with age of ram was apparent. Linear body measurements were positively correlated with each other and with body weight; however, the relationship varied as rams progressed in age. The importance of breed, birth date, age of ram and body weight on body measurements and the requirements for appropriate adjustments is emphasized. Key words: Sheep, body measurements, breed, birth date, age of ram

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