Reproductive performance and numerical productivity of Ouled Djllal ewes

Abstract

In order to measure the reproductive performances and numerical productivity of Ouled Djellal ewes, and to determine the influence of non-geneticfactors onthese parameters, a database wasestablished, by monitoring 2710 ewes, belonging to 12 farms, representative of two dominant modes of reproduction in the Chlef region. Body condition scores (BCS) of groups ofewes put in reproduction were carried out to compare the performances under breedingconditions. Thestudy showed a fertility and prolificacy of 91.04% and 115.35% in the breeding mode of lambing per year in spring, against 59.35% and 103% in the traditionalsystem with lambingspread over the year (the ram is permanently present in the herd). The body condition and body reserves of the ewes varied according to the lambing season and the farmsmanagement (feed system). The interaction between the body condition of the ewes at mating and their reproduction performances was evident. Indeed, as BCS at mating increased, fertility, prolificityand productivity improved. The ewes with BCS at mating higher than or equalto3 produced the best performance, whereasthe ewes with BCS lower than 3, were less fertile, less prolific and less productive. On average the productivity of Ouled Djellal ewes was 105.03% and 61.10%, respectively,in the first and second mode of reproduction. The main sources of variation as well as their interactions, were highlighted in this study.

Utjecaj sezone parenja i stanja tijela na zootehničke parametre ouled djellal ovaca u polupustinjskim područjima

“…In certain breeds considered non-seasonal, whose habitat is situated near the equator, low sensitivity to photoperiodic factors enables females to maintain sexual cycles for most of the year (Đuričić et al, 2021). This is particularly the case for the Ouled Djellal sheep breed in Algeria, which express little or no seasonal anoestrus (Taherti and Zidane, 2023).…”