Authors : Ayman Abdel-Aziz Swelum, Abdullah Nasser Al-Owaimer and Mohamed Ahmed Abouheif
Abstract: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of sheep breed as well as number of embryos transferred on the success of MOET. Sixteen ewes were used as donor (Najdi = 11 and Naeimi = 5). Oestrus synchronization and multiple ovulation were performed using intra-vaginal progesterone sponge and eCG. Donors inseminated intrauterine using laparoscopic. Embryos were recovered and transferred surgically on day 8 after sponge withdrawal. Thirty five ewes (Najdi = 16 and Naeimi = 19) were used as recipients and divided into 4 groups: Najdi or Naeimi received one or two embryos. Pregnancy was diagnosed at day 35 post insemination and confirmed at day 60 using ultrasound. All recipients were followed up until lambing thereafter, gestation length, litter size and sex of lambs were recorded. The results revealed that the number of embryos recovered/responded donor was significantly (p<0.05) lower in Najdi (5.1±1.11) than Naeimi (7.6±0.98) sheep. The breed of ewes had a noticeable effects (p<0.05) on the percentages of pregnancy, lambing and embryos survival these said indices were lower (p<0.05) in recipient Najdi than Naeimi ewes when two embryos were transferred. On the other hand, the recipient Naeimi ewes that received one embryo had significant low ET success. Embryos survival rate in Najdi that had one-embryo transferred were higher (p<0.05) than those received two-embryos. In conclusion, the response of ewes for multiple ovulation using eCG was significantly (p<0.05) lower in Najdi (6.7±1.05) than Naeimi (9.8±1.17) ewes. Moreover, transfer of one embryo resulted in significant (p<0.05) higher pregnancy rate in Najdi (60%) than Naeimi (10%) sheep.
Ayman Abdel-Aziz Swelum, Abdullah Nasser Al-Owaimer and Mohamed Ahmed Abouheif, 2014. Effects of Breed and Number of Embryos Transferred on the Efficacy of MOET in Sheep. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 13: 98-103.