Flushing treatments of subtropical ewes bred three times each within two years.

Abstract

389 Ossimi ewes were given 45 days of flushing treatment with different protein levels (100%, 125%, and 150%) and different sources of protein (plant protein, fish meal, and urea) during a period of two years three weeks each before a mating season and with three breedings during that time. At high protein levels and application of plant protein higher live weight increases were achieved during the flushing period. The reproduction performance was not influenced. The conception rate improved with increasing protein treatments. Plant protein treatments gave better results in the conception rate, twinnings and lambings. September proved a better month for mating than did January and May. There was no significant influence of the age and the live weight of the ewes on the daily body weight gain and the reproductive performance of the ewes. Only the rate of twinning increased significantly with increasing live weight.