The Effect of Vitamin E-Trace Mineral Treatments on Reproductive Performance in Morkaraman Sheep During the Breeding Season

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin E-trace mineral treatments before synchronization and PGF2 alpha injection one day before and on the day of sponge removal on reproductive parameters in Morkaraman ewes during the breeding season. Fifteen days before the synchronization, the sheep in Group I (n=11) and Group II (n=12) were given orally capsules containing a vitamin E-mineral combination. The sheep in Group III (n=10) and IV (n=14) weren't given. An intravaginal sponge was applied to all sheep to remain in the vagina for 6 days, and eCG was injected immediately in all groups after the sponge was removed. The sheep in Groups I and III were injected with PGF2 alpha only on the fifth day, and the sheep in Groups II and IV were injected with PGF2 alpha on both the fifth and sixth days. The highest rates of pregnancy (91.67%) were in Group II (P>0.05). The rate of multiple lambing was higher in Groups II (90.91%) and IV (87.5%) than in other groups (P>0.05). The lambing rate was lowest in Group III (60%, P>0.05). Embryonic mortality rates in the groups were found to be 14.29%, 9.09%, 20.00% and 12.50% in the Group I, Group II, Group III and Group IV, respectively. It was determined that litter size was 1.33, 2.3, 2.67, and 3.29 in the Group I, Group II, Group III and Group IV, respectively (P>0.05). It was determined that the average birth weight of lamb was highest in Group I (4.88 +/- 0.18 kg). It was determined that vitamin E-trace mineral treatments and double PGF2 alpha injection increased the pregnancy rate (P>0.05), especially double PGF2 alpha injection contributed to the formation of multiple pregnancies.