Reproductive performance of crossbreed ewes subjected to estrus synchronization protocols in the Amazon / Desempenho reprodutivo de ovelhas mestiças submetidas à protocolos de sincronização de estro na Amazônia

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate two protocols for estrus synchronization in crossbreed ewes in the Amazon region. Twenty crossbreed (Santa Inês x Dorper) ewes presenting ages between 2 and 3 years-old and average body score in 2.7 were used. The experimental design was completely randomized, where the treatments were constituted by two protocols for estrus synchronization (short and long) with ten animals each. Estrus occurrence data were described for each protocol. Data of estrus detection, pregnancy rate, live lambs at birth and spontaneous abortions were subjected to exact Fischer test. Data of prolificity, birth weight per lamb and twin births were firstly subjected to ANOVA and a