The application of pheromones extracted from Shami goats' male hair and Awassi sheep male wool during the breeding season on LH and Progesterone concentrations in Awassi ewes in Syria.

Abstract

Background: The efficiency and profitability of animal farming systems are closely linked to the reproductive success of livestock, which requires effective management through biological, hormonal, and nutritional strategies. The "male effect," referring to the influence of male pheromones on female reproductive hormones, offers several benefits. This leads to improved reproductive management, better timing of breeding, and increased fertility rates. Additionally, using natural pheromones provides a non-invasive and sustainable method for managing reproduction, and it can be a cost-effective strategy, reducing the need for expensive hormonal treatments. Incorporating male pheromones into reproductive management practices can thus boost the efficiency and profitability of animal farming systems.

Aim: The study's objective is to examine the influence of pheromones, extracted from Awassi ram's wool and Shami goat buck's hair, on the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and Progesterone (P4) in Awassi ewes during the breeding season.

Methods: The pheromones were extracted using a soaking method with dichloromethane as the solvent. The resulting organic extract was then analyzed using a Chromatec-Crystal 5,000 gas chromatography-mass spectrometry device, equipped with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The experiment was carried out on three equal groups, each consisting of 17 subjects, during the breeding season. In Group I, 15 ml of the ram's wool extract was applied to a piece of gauze and placed in a specially designed mask that was attached directly to the nose. In the second group, a similar procedure was followed using 15 ml of the buck's hair extract. The third group consisted of Awassi rams. The LH assay was conducted immediately before the treatment and again at 1, 10, and 20 hours post-treatment, and after 5 and 30 days of treatment to assess P4 levels.

Results: The study found that pheromones from Awassi rams and Shami goat bucks significantly increased the levels of LH and P4 in female Awassi sheep.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the pheromones extracted from the wool of rams and Shami goat bucks can stimulate the response of female Awassi sheep. This finding opens up the possibility of using these pheromones in the reproductive management of female Awassi sheep.