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Increased number of large non-atretic follicles and codominance effects account for high litter sizes in Bonga sheep.
- Source :
- Animal Science Journal; Jan-Dec2020, Vol. 91 Issue 1, p1-7, 7p
- Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- To understand the ovarian basis for prolificacy of Bonga sheep, a total of 31 ewes were selected based on litter size (LS) records and divided into two groups: High Prolificacy (HP) (n = 20) with LS = 2 and Low Prolificacy (LP) (n = 11) with LS = 1. At a synchronized estrus, follicular dynamics were determined using transrectal ultrasonography. Plasma estradiol concentrations were also monitored. In total 27 ewes were observed in estrus being 9/11 LP (82%) and 18/20 HP (90%). On the day of estrus (day 0), the mean number of large follicles was higher (p < .05) in HP (1.78 ± 0.19) than in LP (1.0 ± 0.28) ewes. Prior to estrus, more (p < .05) medium follicles were visible for HP compared to LP ewes. Plasma estradiol concentrations were higher in HP compared to LP ewes (18.91 ± 0.41 vs. 14.51 ± 0.65 pg/ml; p < .05) and similarly was ovulation number (2.3 ± 0.15 vs. 1.28 ± 0. 14; p < .05). Higher ovulation rates and litter size in Bonga sheep are evidenced by the previous presence of more large follicles and the existence of co-dominance effects as most likely medium follicles are selected to ovulate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 13443941
- Volume :
- 91
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Animal Science Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 144576127
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.13384