Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 1995 |
Authors: | Beck, NFG, Davies, MCG, Davies, B |
Journal: | Animal Science |
Volume: | 60 |
Issue: | 02 |
Date Published: | 1995 |
ISBN Number: | 1357-7298 |
Keywords: | Corvidae, Corvus, Corvus corone |
Abstract: | ABSTRACT An investigation was conducted into the effects of increasing plasma prolactin concentration with long photoperiod or suppressing it with bromocryptine on the fertility of ewe lambs. One hundred and twenty dim Forest ewe lambs were divided into three groups: group C was kept as a control; group L was exposed to a long photoperiod (16 h light: 8 h dark) and group B was given daily injections of 1 mg bromocryptine from 12 days before until 21 days after mating. All three groups were mated in late November, 30 days after housing, following progestagen/PMSG treatment. Post-mating prolactin concentrations were significantly higher in group L and lower in group B compared with group C (P > 005). Furthermore, post-mating progesterone concentration was higher in this group compared with those in group C (P > 0 Texel ewe lambs were given treatment C or L. Embryo survival tended to be lower and crown rump length, embryo weight and amniotic sac width were reduced at 25 days post mating in the animals given treatment L, compared with those given treatment C (P < 005). These results suggest that embryo growth and survival is reduced in animals bred under a long photoperiod. |
URL: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1357729800008365 |
Short Title: | Animal Science |
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