Abstract

VICENTE-PEREZ, Ricardo et al. Polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation during breeding in nulliparous Katahdin ewes: reproductive efficiency and pre-weaning growth in lambs. Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2021, vol.12, n.2, pp.586-597.  Epub Nov 15, 2021. ISSN 2448-6698.  https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v12i2.5540.

A total of 46 nulliparous Katahdin ewes were distributed under a completely randomized block design in two dietary treatments (n=23) around mating to evaluate the effects of adding of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) on the reproductive performance and pre-weaning growth in lambs. Treatments were two concentrates formulated isoenergetic and isoproteic that contained or did not contain (control) n-6 PUFA, and both were offered for 42 d (7 d before the breeding period and 35 d of breeding period; exposure to ram). Dietary addition of PUFA shortened (P<0.05) the estrus interval, without affecting (P>0.05) other reproductive variables. Lamb birth weight did not change (P>0.05) with addition of PUFA; however, the dietary addition of PUFA increased (P<0.05) pre-weaning growth rate and weaning weight in male lambs but not female lambs. Dietary addition of PUFA also improved (P<0.05) pre-weaning growth in twin birth lambs but not in single birth lambs. In conclusion, the inclusion of omega-6 PUFA in the diet of nulliparous Katahdin ewes during breeding is a promising dietary strategy since it shortens estrus interval without affecting other reproductive variables, and improves pre-weaning growth in male lambs and twin birth lambs.

Keywords : Hair sheep; Linoleic acid; Flushing effect; Fertility; Postpartum growth.

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