Effect of trace mineral injection on serum trace mineral concentrations and reproductive indicators in sheep synchronised during the anoestrus period
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Sheep production represents animportant source ofincome for farmers inTrkiye; however, reproductive inefficiencies during the anoestrus period pose amajor challenge toproductivity. This study aimed toevaluate the effects ofinjectable trace minerals (copper, selenium, manganese, and zinc) onthe reproductive performance ofAwassi ewes synchronised during the anoestrous period. Atotal of200 clinically healthy ewes were randomly allocated totwo groups: the trace mineral group (TRACE, n=100), which received 2ml ofatrace mineral solution 14days before oestrus synchronisation, and the control group (CON, n=100), which received 2ml of0.9% NaCl. Oestrus was synchronised using intravaginal sponges containing 60mg medroxyprogesterone acetate for 12days, followed byadministration of500IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin atsponge removal. Ewes were hand-mated for five days following synchronisation. Variables assessed included serum trace mineral concentrations, response tosynchronisation, and reproductive outcomes (oestrus rate, pregnancy rate, lambing rate, incidence ofmultiple births, and dystocia). Nosignificant differences (P>0.05) were found between groups inserum concentrations ofcopper, zinc, ormanganese. Although the duration ofoestrus was significantly longer inthe TRACE group compared tocontrol (29.66± 0.96h vs 26.09± 0.89h; P =0.006), all other reproductive indicators were similar between groups. These findings suggest that asingle pre-synchronisation injection oftrace minerals does not significantly improve the reproductive performance ormineral status inanoestrous Awassi ewes. Further research isneeded todetermine the optimal timing and dosing strategies for supplementing trace minerals insheep.
Source: Veterinární Medicína
Institution: Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy Üniversitesi
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $609
OpenAlex ID: W4415656998