The Possibilities of Twice-Yearly Lambing of Awassi Sheep Ewes Without Using Hormones in an Organic Animal Production System

This goal of the present research was to determine the possibility of twice-yearly lambing in Awassi sheep. The research was appropriate in terms of ecological agriculture, animal breeding applications, and organic agricultural production with no impact on their health or behavior, or exposure to environmental conditions such as exogenous hormone applications. The research was carried out after the February 2001 lambing season. Rams were introduced to the ewe flock while the lambs were weaning. The sheep's giving birth in August 2001 indicated that they had become pregnant while the lambs were weaning. The fertility rate in the August 2001 birth season was much lower than that in the February 2001 fertility season. However, the February and August 2001 fertility rates together showed that the gestation rate increased 40% and approximately 40% to 44%, respectively, over a year.

Anahtar Kelimeler:

Awassi sheep, organic animal production, fertility traits, lambing

The Possibilities of Twice-Yearly Lambing of Awassi Sheep Ewes Without Using Hormones in an Organic Animal Production System

Keywords:

Awassi sheep, organic animal production, fertility traits, lambing,

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