The effect of lucerne feeding on ovulation rate in ewes

J.F. Smith, K.T. Jagusch, L.F.C. Brunswick, L.T. McGowan

Ruakura Animal Research Station, Hamilton

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1980, 40: 44-49

The percentage of ewes exhibiting multiple ovulations was linearly related to the coumestan content of pelleted lucerne fed immediately prior to oestrus. Feeding a coumestan-containing diet for 7 days prior to oestrus reduced multiple ovulations markedly. Removing ewes from the oestrogenic diet 11 days prior to oestrus allowed a high degree of recovery.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 12-09-1998