STUDIES ON RAM EFFECT IN LOHI SHEEP

K. Javed, S. M. Hussain¹, and M. Afzal¹

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore,
¹Live stock Production Research Institute, Bahadurnagar Distt. Okara (Pakistan)

Abstract

    The feasibility of using the ram effect to stimulate oestrus/ovulation in Lohi sheep at Sheep Breeding Section of Livestock Production Research Institute, Bahadumagar Distt. Okara was investigated. The experiment was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a group of 43 ewes was stimulated for the imitation of oestrus through ram effect during the month of August (off breeding season). Eighty four percent ewes exhibited oestrus and were served. During September (normal breeding season) 100% ewes showed oestrus activity. In the second phase, all of the ewes exhibited oestrus activity during December (Off breeding season) and March (normal breeding season). These results indicated that adjacent (four to six weeks before or after) to normal breeding season the “ram effect” are more effective to initiate the oestrus activity in Lohi sheep. Being the first report on Pakistani sheep, more studies on other sheep as well as goat breeds are suggested.