HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Mallampati, R. S. Articles by Casida, L. E. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Mallampati, R. S. Articles by Casida, L. E.

Breeding Pattern in Targhee Ewes and Ewe Lambs throughout the Year¹

University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706

Abstract

One hundred forty-four parous Targhee ewes were studied in each of 2 years to determine the breeding behavior throughout the year. Some ewes were observed for estrus in the continuous presence of vasectomized rams throughout the year and other ewes were bred to provide lambings each month of the year (breeding during anestrus was induced by progesterone-PMS treatment). The main breeding season was found to be of 6 months' duration (September to February). Ewes kept with vasectomized rams throughout the year had a significantly prolonged breeding season. Although the percent of ewes showing estrus after progesterone-PMS treatment was high, the percent actually lambing was low for June and July breeding compared to other months of the year. Age of ewe lambs at first conception differed significantly between different months of birth, being greatest for lambs born in the months of April and May.

¹ Research supported by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison and by the Ford Foundation, Grant No. 63-505 and by the Program Project in Genetics, Grant No. GM 15422. Paper No. 1461 from the Laboratory of Genetics and Paper No. 593 from the Department of Meat and Animal Science.