Abstract
The literature has been surveyed for evidence of genetic variation in sexual function of rams throughout the year and in the timing of onset and duration of the breeding season in female sheep. The results of studies on the breeding season of several ewe breeds in Ireland are also presented. During two years first oestrus occurred one month later in Texel than in Suffolk ewes. First oestrus occurred at the end of August in Finn-Dorset, mid September in Galway, Fingalway and Suffolk-crossbreds and during early October in Scottish Blackface ewes. Oestrous cycles ceased in early February in Scottish Blackface ewes, in early March in Galway and Suffolk-crossbreds and during early April In Fingalways and Finn-Dorsets. The repeatability of date of onset of first oestrus, date of cessation of oestrous activity and duration of the anoestrum in consecutive years was 0.40±0.08, 0.25±0.09 and 0.30±0.09 respectively.
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Quirke, J.F., Hanrahan, J.P. (1985). Breed Differences in the Breeding Season in Sheep. In: Ellendorff, F., Elsaesser, F. (eds) Endocrine Causes of Seasonal and Lactational Anestrus in Farm Animals. Current Topics in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, vol 31. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5026-9_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5026-9_5
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