J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1965. 24:9-12.
© 1965 American Society of Animal Science
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Effects of Forced Exercise and Cooling on Reproductive Performance of Finewool Ewes Bred during the Summer1

H. G. Spies2, C. S. Menzies2, S. P. Scott3, L. L. Coon2 and G. H. Kiracofe2

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Manhattan

Abstract

One hundred forty-four finewool ewes of Rambouillet breeding were randomly assigned to one of the following four experimental treatments: forced exercise, shade plus a water sprinkler (2 of 3 years), air conditioned room, or outside ambient temperature. Average rectal temperature and respiration rates were significantly lower in the air conditioned and in the shade-plus-sprinkler groups than in the noncooled group. Exercise also significantly increased rectal temperature and respiration rates in all trials.

Forced exercise daily for 30 to 90 min. starting 10 to 3 days prior to breeding until day 3 or day 20 post-mating decreased the percent of fertilized ova (P<.05) in two of three trials and non-significantly lowered percent lambing rate in 2 of 3 years. Ewes cooled at 65° F. had a larger (P<.05) percent lambing rate in two of three trials and a higher (P<.05) percent of fertilized ova 3 days post-breeding in one of three trials than noncooled ewes. Shade plus a water sprinkler also tended to improve reproductive performance, but the difference was significant only for estimated lambing rate in 1 of 2 years. Most of the embryo mortality occurred soon after breeding and was negligible after 3 days post-breeding for all groups except non-cooled control ewes.

Footnotes

1 Contribution No. 298, Dept. of Animal Husbandry, Kansas Agri. Exp. Sta., Manhattan, Kansas.

2 Department of Animal Husbandry.

3 Present Address: Codding-Armour Ranch, Foraker, Okla.






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