What are the prevention and control methods for sheep estrus disorders?
The reproductive function of ewes is closely related to changes in sunlight, temperature, humidity, feed composition and other external factors. These factors can work together to affect ewe estrus. In particular, the development process of sheep follicles is greatly affected by season and climate, and the number of ewes in estrus is also related to whether the weather is cloudy or clear. Below, let us take a look at the prevention and control methods for sheep estrus disorders!
Light factor
Light is one of the main factors affecting ewe estrus. Sheep are short-day seasonally estrous animals. When light is shortened, the reproductive function of ewes is in an excited and vigorous state, and ewes come into estrus. Conversely, prolonging the light time will inhibit ewe estrus.
Nutritional factors
One month before mating, ewes should be given appropriate supplementary feeding to improve their nutritional level, especially by supplementing enough protein feed. For ewes with body condition below medium, this can promote estrus and ovulation and induce ewes to give birth to twins. According to reports, under the condition of poor body condition, for every 1 kg increase in ewe body weight before mating, the ovulation rate increases by 2%-2.5%, and the lambing rate increases by 1.5%-2%. A relatively balanced and complete nutritional level will cause young ewes to come into estrus earlier, and will also enable normal ewes to come into estrus and ovulate normally. If their nutritional needs cannot be met, not only will they fail to come into estrus and ovulate normally, but the duration of estrus and the estrous cycle of ewes will also be abnormal.
Age factor
The duration of estrus in old ewes and young ewes is relatively short, the estrous cycle has no regular pattern, and the signs of estrus are not obvious. The duration of estrus in prime-age ewes is relatively long, estrus has a certain regularity, and the signs of estrus are typical and obvious.