Kuru M., Sogukpinar O., Makav M., Cetin N.Effect of barium selenate injections on fertility of Pirlak ewes subjected to estrus synchronization during non-breeding season Summary This study was aimed at determining the effect of barium selenate injections on the fertility of Pirlak ewes which had been subjected to progesterone-assisted estrus synchronization during the non-breeding season. A total of 150 Pirlak ewes between the ages of 2 and 5 years were used in the study. Sponges containing progesterone were inserted into the vaginas of the ewes for 11 (groups I and III) or 14 days (groups II and IV) for the purpose of estrus synchronization, and 500 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) was administered on the day of sponge removal. In addition, barium selenate was injected s.c. immediately before estrus synchronization protocol in groups I and III. After the sponges had been removed, estrus was observed for four days. The ewes were mated with fertile rams. The pregnancy was determined by transrectal ultrasonography 30 days after mating. It was observed that the estrus rate, pregnancy rate, conception rate, lambing rate, twinning rate, and litter size were not statistically different (P > 0.05) between the groups, but estrus onset was different (P < 0.001). In conclusion, barium selenate injections did not affect the fertility parameters before progesterone-assisted synchronization was applied to the Pirlak ewes during the non-breeding season.

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to determine the effect of the vitamins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and minerals in the supplement Toryum administered before and during oestrus synchronisation on some fertility parameters of ewes during the non-breeding season.Material and MethodsThe experimental animals were clinically healthy Pirlak ewes, 55–75 days postpartum, aged 2–4 years and weighing 40–50 kg. A sponge was inserted into the vagina for 10 d (G1, n = 30; G2, n = 30) or 14 d (G3, n = 30; G4, n = 30) for oestrus synchronisation, and on the day of removal, 400 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin was injected. Toryum soft capsules were administered individually (1 capsule/ewe p.o.) to G1 and G3 ewes seven days before the sponge was inserted and on the day it was removed. Oestrus detection was started 12 h after sponge removal. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography on the 30th day after mating.ResultsThe pregnancy rate was statistically different between G1 and G4 (P < 0.05). The onset of oestrus was statistically different (P < 0.001) between the 10-d groups (G1 and G2) and the 14-d groups (G3 and G4). The litter size and oestrus, conception, lambing, multiple birth, and survival rates were not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionToryum administered to Pirlak ewes during progesterone-based oestrus synchronisation protocols during the non-breeding season may increase pregnancy rates. The relationship between Toryum and fertility parameters in ewes would be better understood by comprehensive studies.