Enhancing fertility in Iraqi Awassi sheep by prostaglandin F2α, gonadotrophin and Fluorogestone acetate sponge

The present experiment was designed to improve fertility , lambing and weaning rates of awassi ewes and evaluate the efficiency of several protocols such as PMSG and or GnRH injection after vaginal sponges treatment on some reproductive traits in Awassi ewes , Fourty-five non pregnant and lactating awassi ewes divided into three groups (15 ewes of each). First group (G1) received double injections of prostaglandin F2α 10 days apart ,second group (G2) received double injections of prostaglandin F2α 10 days apart, and after 10 days ,intravaginal progestagen impregnated sponge , third group (G3) were given double injections of prostaglandin F2α 10days apart and after 10 days intravaginal progestagen impregnated sponge were inserted . Sponges remained in situ for 14 days .one day before sponge removal each ewe injected intramuscularly with 2ml, 0.004 mg GnRH.The results showed that the percentage of estrus exhibition in G2 reached 93.33% (p<0.05) , while the lowest percentage (80%) was observed in G3 . the conception and lambing rate increasing to 100% in G2 but There were no significant differences among experimental groups , weaning rate was higher (P<0.05) for ewes in G2 than those of other groups , abortion rate was higher for ewes in G3 than those of other groups.Finally ,Awassi is an excellent local bread of sheep if they were well managed as a result of the trials reproduction performance of Awassi sheep can be improved by applying estrus synchronization and super ovulation practices despite harsh conditions; Awassi ewes were able to breed and lamb using different estrus synchronization protocols, Application of PGF2α ,FGA sponge and PMSG protocol of Awassi ewes are more effective in improving fertility and twining rate than other protocols, some modifications for synchronization protocols were suggested to improve fertility.

Keywords:

Awassi ewes , PGF2α , GnRH , progestagens , Estrus sunchronization