Fait partie de [OMA34]

1997 - 253 p.

Nutrition effects on fertility in small ruminants with an emphasis on Mediterranean sheep breeding systems

Landau S., Molle G.

The aim of this presentation is to review some aspects of nutrient utilisation in small ruminants that can affect the reproductive efficiency of females, i.e., oestrous activity, ovulation and embryo survival. Nutrition affects reproduction through short and long-term effects. Body condition affects the onset of anoestrus, the resumption of post-weaning estrus if photoperiod is favourable, and ovulation rate. The positive effect of 'flushing', i.e., supply of energy and protein in excess of requirements for body maintenance, on ovulation rate, is mediated, at least partly, through glucose, amino acid and insulin metabolism. The efficiency of 'flushing' may be impaired by decreased feed intake at pasture, especially if it consists in cereal grain. The 'static' effects on ovulation rate are mediated through modulation of follicular atresia, whereas 'immediate nutrient effects' seem to affect the rate of maturation immediately before ovulation of potentially ovulatory follicles. Provision of excess dietary protein during a few days prior to mating is a potential way to improve fecundity, but effects vary according to source of protein. Too generous a provision or an acute deficit of energy, and overfatting of ewes, reduce progesterone concentration in blood and embryo survival during the first stages of pregnancy. Therefore, 'flushing' must be limited to the pre-mating period, which implies synchronisation of oestrus.

Mots-clés    

CAPRIN, NUTRITION ANIMALE, OVIN, OVULATION, REPRODUCTION

Citer cet article    

Landau S., Molle G. Nutrition effects on fertility in small ruminants with an emphasis on Mediterranean sheep breeding systems. In : Lindberg J.E. (ed.), Gonda H.L. (ed.), Ledin I. (ed.). Recent advances in small ruminant nutrition. Zaragoza : CIHEAM, 1997. p. 203-216. (Options Méditerranéennes : Série A. Séminaires Méditerranéens; n. 34). Seminar of the FAO-CIHEAM Network of Cooperative Research on Sheep and Goats, Subnetwork on Nutrition, 24-26 Oct 1996, Rabat (Morocco). http://om.ciheam.org/om/pdf/a34/97606138.pdf