Artificial Insemination in Sheep with Fresh Diluted Semen: Comparison Between Two Different Semen Extenders and Management Protocols

Timed artificial insemination (TAI) is a very important tool for reproductive programs in small ruminants, providing synchronized inseminations and more efficient use of superior males. The objectives this study were to investigate the viability different breeding protocols under sub-optimal conditions out season, compare outcome TAI sheep with two semen extenders. Ewes (n=575) subjected estrous synchronization by intravaginal sponges containing 30 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate PMSG. divided into 5 groups according extender employed protocol: 1) egg yolk citrate AI reinforced ram (EYC-RR); 2) Andromed (AND-RR), where rams joined flocks 3 hours after AI; 3) without exposition (EYC); 4) (AND). In all these vaginal AIs performed 56±2 from sponge removal PMSG injection; 5) natural mating (RAM) introduced 48 following injection. Pregnancy rate, parturition prolificacy significantly higher (p<0.05) EYC-RR AND-RR than EYC AND groups. lambing rate was not between No statistical differences observed farms or inseminating rams. This showed that fresh diluted either AndroMed could be an effective feasible increase lamb production improve genetic merits population season.