Conception Rate in ewes: effect of method of breeding and number of inseminations

Abstract

With the development of effective methods of oestrus synchronization (Gordon, 1975), it is now possible to breed ewes at most times of the year. Encouraging conception rates have been reported following insemination (Colas & Brice, 1970; Colas et al. 1973; Gordon, 1975). A major disadvantage with the technique is the need to inseminate ewes twice at 10–14 h intervals. Because of the anatomy of the ovine cervix, it is not possible to deposit semen in the uterus as in the bovine. The present experiment was designed to compare a single or double insemination with natural service. Two types of inseminating gun were employed in an effort to deposit semen deep in the cervical folds.