The effect of body condition score on some blood biological parameters and reproduction performance of Fat tail Afshari Sheep

The effect of body condition score (BCS) and body weight of fat tail Afshari sheep atmating time on reproductive performance were studied. Total 162 fat tail Afshari ewes(3-7 years old) randomly selected from animal unit of Zanjan University. Ewes divided to4 treatments groups according BCS (2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 and more). The reproductive parameterssuch as lambs born to ewes after mating, number of lambs born per lambing, Kg lambsborn per ewe mating, pregnancy period, lambs birth weight, and some blood metabolitessuch as glucose, total protein, albumin and globulin were determined. The result of thisstudy indicated that BCS had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the lambs born per ewe atmating. Ewes with BCS =3 had a better performance in lambing rate and Kg lambs bornper ewe. While the lambing rate reduced in ewes with BCS of 3.5 or more. Ewes withBCS=3 had more (P<0.05) normal estrous while ewes with low BCS had shorter estrousperiod. Birth weight of lambs was significantly affected by body weight of their dams(P<0.01) but BCS had no significant effect on lambs’ weight at birth and weaning. Therewas significant effect of BCS on plasma FSH concentration in ewes with BCS more than3 but no significant differences was seen in blood metabolite parameters in this study. It isconcluded that BCS had significant effect on lambing rate and lambs born per ewe(P<0.05). The BCS of 3 at mating time could optimize profitability of Afshari ewes.