The effect of alfalfa supplementation during the peripartum period on udder oedema and fertility in dairy sheep

In recent years, there has been a trend towards hyperoestrogenic feeding methods in field conditions, particularly in dairy small ruminants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of alfalfa supplemented ration in the prepartum period on the occurrence of udder oedema in dairy ewes and its impac...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Reproduction in domestic animals 2024-02, Vol.59 (2), p.n/a
Main Authors: Bozkurt, Gokhan, Kaya, Feyyaz, Tasal, Ibrahim, Yildiz, Ramazan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alfalfa
Dermatitis
dystocia
Edema
feeding
Fertility
mammary
Mastitis
Maternal behavior
oedema
Physiology
Placenta
Rejection
Supplements
Udder
Urea
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Summary:In recent years, there has been a trend towards hyperoestrogenic feeding methods in field conditions, particularly in dairy small ruminants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of alfalfa supplemented ration in the prepartum period on the occurrence of udder oedema in dairy ewes and its impact on fertility problems (dystocia, vaginal prolapse, uterine prolapse, retained placenta) and diseases (mastitis, udder dermatitis) occurring in the postpartum period. In addition, it aimed to follow up the data on maternal rejection behaviours and litter viability, which are believed to affect the future productivity and fertility of the herd. The ewes were divided into two groups: the oedema group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 23). For trial purposes in the oedema group, primiparous animals were provided with alfalfa supplementation. The control group consisted of ewes fed the same ration but without alfalfa supplementation. Ingredient analysis of the rations was performed in the groups. In biochemical analyses, the oedema group demonstrated significantly higher levels of serum urea (p 
ISSN:0936-6768
1439-0531
DOI:10.1111/rda.14539