Comparing the effects of adding omega-6 fatty acid source and palm saturated fat powder to flushing diet on the performance of laparoscopic artificial insemination in Chaal ewes.

The purpose of this study was to compare effects of adding soybean oil as omega-6 fatty acid source and palm hydrogenated oil as source of saturated fat to flushing diet on artificial insemination efficiency in Chaal ewes. One hundred eleven of non-lactating and non-pregnant Chaal ewes, were divided into three experimental groups based on flushing diets: (1) control group (C), fed the flushing diet without any supplemental fat, (2) palm hydrogenated oil group (PHO), fed the flushing diet containing 3.5% supplemental hydrogenated palm oil and (3) group of soybean oil (SO), fed flushing diet containing 3.5% soybean oil. Estrus synchronization of ewes performed using progesterone sponges. The rate of estrus was recorded and forty eight hours after sponge removal, artificial insemination was performed with the laparoscopic approach. Fifteen days after artificial insemination, the rams were introduced into the flock. Number and weight of born lambs and weight of weaned lambs were recorded. Soybean oil significantly increased the multiple lambing rate in comparison with group fed hydrogenated palm oil and significantly increased the prolificacy and fecundity rates and consequently weaning rate in comparison with two other groups (P 0.05). In the programs of sheep artificial insemination and synchronized natural mating, adding soybean oil to flushing diet can improve reproductive performance. Also, It is recommended that to avoid using hydrogenated palm oil in flushing diet of sheep.