The Effects of Using Artificial Insemination Techniques on Reproductive Performance in Ghezel Sheep

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate artificial insemination techniques on reproductive performance in Ghezel ewes synchronized with CIDR during breeding season. Methods: All ewes were treated with controlled internal drug release device (CIDR) inserted into the vagina of the ewes for 14 days. All ewes were treated a single intramuscular (IM) dose of PMSG was injected. In this experiment 120 head ewes divided into four subgroups randomly and experimental groups consist of: control 1, ram mating, n=30; control 2, ram mating plus 550 IU PMSG, n=30; group 1, laparoscopical intrauterine insemination plus 550 IU PMSG, n= 30; group 2, cervical insemination plus 550 IU PMSG, n= 30. Results: In this experiment estrus responses were similar in all groups (control 1, 76.7%; control 2, 93%; group 1, 96%; group 2, 100%). There were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) between the treatment groups and the control groups for the estrus response. Pregnancy rates were 70%, 90.0%, 83.3% and 60% in control groups 1, 2 and AI groups 1, 2 respectively. Twinning rates (10% to 34.6%) and litter size (1.10 to 1.35) were significantly different in the treatment groups and the control group 1 (P<0.05). As a result, conception rate in the laparoscopical intrauterine insemination was higher than cervical insemination.