Authors : Mustafa Yaprak , Ebru Emsen , Berna Emsen and Muhlis Macit
Abstract: Fifty two Awassi ewes (6 years aged) were randomly divided into two treatment groups consisting of a vitamin E supplemented group and a control group receiving no supplemental vitamin E. Beginning, approximately three weeks prior to the first expected lambing date all ewes were fed dry grass hay 1.5 kg/ewe/day and .35 kg/d of barley plus .27 kg/d supplemental pellet. The pellet with added vitamin E contained 30 mg Vitamin E of d-l-alpha tocopherol acetate/kg and provided an additional 400 IU/hd/d of vitamin E. Supplemental vitamin E had effect (P<0.05) on ewe body weight at lambing and turnout (approximately 30 d post lambing). Ewe fertility and prolificacy did not differ (P>.05) between groups. Lambs in supplemented groups had heavier birth weight (P<.05) than lambs in untreated group. Vitamin E supplementation reduced (P<.05) lamb mortality (26 vs 5 percent lamb mortality for untreated, vitamin E supplemented ewes, respectively). In conclusion, increase in lamb viability obtained in this study offer the potential for more lambs produced per exposed ewes.
Mustafa Yaprak , Ebru Emsen , Berna Emsen and Muhlis Macit , 2004. The Influence of Vitamin E Supplementation during Late Pregnancy on Lamb Mortality and Ewe Productivity in Awassi Ewes . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 3: 190-193.