Authors : Murat Demirel , ?mer Faruk Kurbal , Turgut Ayg?n , Sibel Erdo?an , Yunus Bakici , Ayhan Yilmaz and Hasan ?lker
Abstract: A study was conducted with 80 Karaka ewes and their lambs to investigate the effects of various feeding levels during mating period on the reproductive performance. Group 1 (control) was grazed only on pasture and Group 2, 3 and 4 were supplied with 200, 300, 600 g/head/day rolled barley, respectively, in addition to pasture. Supplementary feeding was initiated three weeks before mating and lasted for six weeks. There were increases (P<0.01) in live weights in Karaka ewes in response to supplementary feeding during feeding period. While supplementary feeding reduced infertility rate (P<0.05), this treatment did not affect other reproductive traits. The effects of sex, birth type and birth weight of ewe on the lamb birth weight were significant (P<0.01). Birth type affected weaning weight, daily live weight gain and survivability at weaning (P<0.05). It was concluded that supplementary feeding in addition to pasture could be utilized to improve reproductive efficiency of Karaka ewes, however, more detailed studies should be carried out to determine the appropriate supplementary feeding regimen and supplementary feeding period during mating period for this breed in regional conditions.
Murat Demirel , ?mer Faruk Kurbal , Turgut Ayg?n , Sibel Erdo?an , Yunus Bakici , Ayhan Yilmaz and Hasan ?lker , 2004. Effects of Supplementary Feeding Levels During Mating Period on Reproductive Performance of Karaka Ewes . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 3: 448-452.