Seasonal variations in the reproductive performance of Ouled Djellal ewes in the Chlef region, Algeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.19182/remvt.36801Keywords
sheep, Ouled Djellal ewes, reproductive performance, animal reproduction, spring, autumn, AlgeriaAbstract
Reproduction contributes directly to the profitability of the farms and the associated performances are synthesized in central economic indicators in the analysis of the global performances of the breeding systems. The sexual activity and thus the reproductive performance of ewes are affected by environmental factors, primarily the photoperiod. The Ouled Djellal ewe, naturally more often bred out of season than other sheep breeds, is not very sensitive to the photoperiod factor, thus managing to maintain sexual cycles during most of the year and expressing little seasonal anestrus. As the reproductive performance of this breed is only partially exploited, the present study aimed to characterize it in the region of Chlef, Algeria. It involved 834 Ouled Djellal ewes distributed in 20 farms located in different municipalities with 417 ewes for each season. The ewes were three to five years old, and subjected to photoperiod and natural temperatures. The reproductive parameters analyzed in the fall and spring were fertility, fecundity, conception rate, numerical productivity and mortality. With the exception of mortality, which showed a non-significant difference between fall and spring, the results on the other performance parameters showed highly significant differences (p < 0.0001) between the two seasons. In spite of these differences between seasons, whose origins are discussed, the reproductive performances analyzed were globally encouraging to improve the profitability of this breed.
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© A.Zidane et al., hosted by CIRAD 2021
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