Some reproductive and gynecological characteristics of Morkaraman ewes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine some reproductive and gynecological and lamb yield characteristics in Morkaraman ewes in Iğdır province, Turkey. Reproductive and fertility characteristics of Morkaraman ewes were recorded in two breeding seasons. Clinically healthy 300 Morkaraman ewes were used. Estrus duration was statistically different in the first and second breeding seasons (P=0.034). The estrus rates were 95% and 97% in seasons, respectively (P=0.211). According to the breeding seasons (first and second year), lambing rate was 90.7% and 92%, infertility rate was 5% and 3%, placental retention rate was 2.6% and 1.5%, uterine infection rate was 8.2% and 6.6%, vaginal and uterine prolapse rate was 1.8% and 2.2%, follicular cyst rate was 1.3% and 0.7%, mastitis rate was 3.7% and 2.2%, insufficient milk production rate was 2.6% and 3.6%, abortion rate was 3.2% and 4.5%, dystocia rate was 4.4% and 5.4%, congenital anomaly rate was 1.1% and 1.5%, twinning rate was 10.7% and 12%, birth weight in singleton was 3.8 kg and 3.6 kg, birth weight in twins 3.2 kg and 3.3 kg, survival rate was 94.4% and 96.5%, respectively (P>0.05). In conclusion, Morkaraman ewes show high reproductive performance, do not have many gynecological problems, and are more likely to have single births.