the effect of glycogenic diets complemented with different poly unsaturated fatty acids on reproductive performance in ewe

the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glycogenic diets supplemented with different poly unsaturated fatty acids on reproductive performance of iran black ewes in two different managing programs. ewes were allocated in two different groups; group a (n = 75) and group b (n = 25). ewes from group a were stopped from suckling followed by introducing to the rams on days 80 and 90, respectively. melatonin implant was laid under the skins ear of these ewes 40 days before introducing them to the rams. animals from group a were divided into three groups (25 ewes/sub-group) and were fed by high starch diets supplemented with saturated fatty acids (control diet), extruded linseed (omega 3 diet), and full fat soybean (omega 6 diet). ewes from group b were stopped from suckling on day 120, introduced to the rams on day 180 after parturition and fed as described for the control diet. data for the rates of estrus cycle, ovulation, lambing and twining were recorded for each group. the weight of lambs was measured at the birth time of birth, and also at 3 and 4 months of age. the lambing and twining rates were higher in omega 3 and omega 6 diets as compared with the control diet and group b. animals in group b indicated a higher lamb weight at 3 and 4 months of age compared to all treatments in group a. in conclusion, data from current study suggested that using management program of group a along with feeding omega 3 and 6 could improve the reproductive performance of iran black ewes.