DIFFERENT OESTRUS INDUCTION METHODS IN AWASSI EWES DURING THE OUT OF BREEDING SEASON

The aim of this study was induce oestrus during anoestrus season and compare the efficiency of (FGA) sponges in combination with either (PMSG) or cloprostenol in inducing and synchronizing the oestrus cycle in Iraqi ewes .A total of 40 ewes used in this experiment . All ewes treated with a vaginal sponge containing 20 mg fluorogestone acetate (FGA) inserted into the vagina of the ewes for 14 days. All animals were divided into four groups randomly, each group contained 10 ewes. Group1 was a control group received (FGA+ normal saline), group 2 received (FGA+PGF2α) , group 3 received (FGA+PMSG) , group 4 received (FGA+PMSG+PGF2α). Statistical analysis of estrus response reveals significant differences (P˂0.05) between control group and treated groups (group 1, 70%; group 2, 100%; group3, 100%) respectively. Pregnancy, Lambing rate and litter size were not significant differences between the treatment groups and the control group (p˂0.05). These result indicate that (FGA +PGF2α ; FGA +PMSG ; FGA+PMSG+PGF2α) were better than control group in oestrus response , in spite of significant differences was no found in pregnancy rate , lambing rate and litter size