Akkaraman Koyunlarının Bazı Üreme Özellikleri Üzerine Progesteron Ve Östrojen Hormon Seviyelerinin Etkileri

Abstract

In this study, progesterone and estrogen hormone levels of Akkaraman (White Karaman/WK) sheep and their effects on some reproductive traits were investigated. The data obtained, from 31 ewes, as 90.32% for lambing, 53.57% for a single birth, 46.42% for twinning, 132.25% for lamb production and 1.46 for litter size. Between the first and second estrus, progesterone levels were found to be between 3.69-12.20 ng/ml for singles and 3.04-10.44 ng/ml for twins; estrogen levels were determined to be between 39.40-84.03 pg/ml for singles and 52.44-72.77 pg ml for twins. The equivalent values at anestrus period of progesterone were 0.20-10.20 ng/ml, and estrogen levels were 6.30-169.60 pg/ml. The effects of birth type on estrogen level were not-significant, while progesterone levels were determined to be significant on the second and third days before the second estrus (P<0.05 and P<0.001). In conclusion, least square means and standard errors and differences between maximum and minimum progesterone hormone levels were similar to those of prolific breeds. Estrogen levels were found lower than prolific breeds but were higher than non-prolific breeds. Therefore, Akkaraman breed can be foreseen as a combine prolific breed.