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Computer Modeling of Sheep Reproduction: II. Accelerated Reproduction in Sheep¹

Purdue University and U.S. Department of Agriculture, West Lafayette, IN 47907

Abstract

A computer simulation program was written in SLAM (Simulation Language for Alternative Modeling) to simulate certain biological aspects involved in alternative systems of reproduction in sheep. Four fundamental lambing schemes, once a year, three times in 2 yr, twice a year and continuous schemes, along with modifications of these schemes, are simulated. Parameters of greatest effect in this simulation were the average spread of the estrous season (SA), the measure of asymmetry (SD) and the maximum proportion of ewes exhibiting estrus (MX). It was demonstrated that the greater the SA values (longer estrous seasons and shorter anestrous seasons), the more advantageous it was to breed frequently. The SD and MX parameters influenced to a lesser degree the lambing results obtained from these simulations. The relative merits of certain breeds and locations for out-of-season breeding were studied and evaluated for annual and seasonal fertility.

¹ Journal Paper No. 9995 of the Purdue Agric. Exp. Sta. Joint research contribution from the Dept. of Anim. Sci., Purdue Univ. and the Anim. Genet. Res. Unit, ARS, USDA.

² Present address: Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Anim. Res. Center, ARS, USDA, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166.