Effect of Flushing Ration on the Sexual and Breeding Behaviors in Ghezel Sheep

This study aims at investigating the effectiveness of utilizing barley as a Flushing ration with an energizing source and soybean meal-based diets as a Flushing ration with a protein source the sexual and breeding behaviors in Ghezel sheep. To this end, 36 three and half-year old ewes (51±1.5 kilograms) with the record of giving birth to two lambs and 6 three-year old (89±2.5 kilograms) rams were used. The ewes were divided into two treatment groups of A (i.e., the receivers of barley seeds), B (i.e., the receivers of soybean meal-based diets), and a control group of C with 12 ewes in each group. Also, three rams were utilized randomly in each group. The ewes received the Flushing ration two weeks before and two weeks after sexual intercourse. Hence, group A ewes were fed 400 grams of barley seeds and group B ewes were fed 400 grams of soybean. The results demonstrate that the ewes in the treatment group showed sexual receptivity behavior earlier than the control group ewes; however, the difference was not significant. Also, The receptivity power (i.e., the number of successful jumping permission) and the amount of estrogen, calcium, as well as magnesium levels were not significantly different at pro-estrus and estrus stages. Nevertheless, the amount of phosphorous serum and the new-born lambs’ weight were reported to be significant (p < .05) in the treatment groups. The current study demonstrated that Flushing ration along with both energizing and protein sources improve the livestock’s health and sexual behavior. In addition, such supplements have a positive influence on breeding rate and on the weight of lambs.