<b>The effect of matings started in spring or'summer on the reproductive performance of Hampshire Down ewes<b>

Abstract

A total of 48 Hampshire Down ewes, from a private farm located in the city of Cambé, north of Paraná state, were divided into two treatments: T1 - the mating period started in November 10th (spring) and T2 -the mating period started in January 10th (summer). The effects of age of the ewe and the wool face cover were taken into consideration in the analyses. Treatment was an important effect (P<0.05) on the interval between brooding and first estrus detection. Means for T1 and T2 were 94.5 and 58.9 days, respectively. The effect of treatment was not significant (P>0.05) for the other variables. The average gestation length was 146.5 days,, and the estrus, lambing and twin birth percentages were 89.6, 43,8 and 10.4%, respectively. In both treatments a maximum percentage of estrus was observed in autumn. Estrus percentage was greater (P<0.05) in ewes with covered faces than in open face ewes (100.0 vs 71.4%); however there was no difference (P>0.05) for lambing and twin birth percentages.