Acta Veterinaria Brno, cilt.93, sa.3, ss.347-353, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
The aim of the study was to determine a reproductively and economically successful synchronization method for Kangal sheep during the transition period from the breeding season to anoestrus. A total of 212 Kangal sheep were divided into three groups. On day 0, a sponge containing progesterone (P4) hormone was inserted intravaginally into the animals of Group 1 (n = 75). The sponges were removed 9 days later, and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) hormones were injected. Animals in Group 2 (n = 65) were given PGF2α hormone at 9-day intervals. In addition to the second PGF2α injection, eCG was also administered. A double dose of PGF2α was administered to animals in Group 3 (n = 72) at 9-day intervals. The animals in this group were administered eCG along with the first PGF2α injection. As a result of the applications, Group 1 showed a higher rate of oestrous than the other two groups (P < 0.05). There was no difference in pregnancy rates between Group 1 and the other groups. The pregnancy rate of Group 2 was significantly lower than that of Group 3. While there was no difference between the groups regarding multiple pregnancies, the fertility rate of Group 3 was higher than in the other two groups. Cost evaluations showed that the synchronization technique used in Group 3 was the most cost-effective. It was determined that the synchronization method used in Group 3 is preferred for Kangal sheep during the transition period.