Inclusion of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet for superovulated hair sheep

Abstract

In the present study, 12 pelibuey sheep, in good body condition and cycling were used. They were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: Treatment 1, sheep supplemented with avocado oil (5% of diet; T1; n=6); and Treatment 2, control sheep (no avocado oil in the diet; T2; n=6), both diets were isoprotein and isoenergetic and were offered for seven days (2 kg/animal/day). All sheep were synchronized with a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (CIDR®), considering day 0 the insertion of the device. For sheep donor, the experimental diet began to be offered on day 5 and for both donor treatments a protocol was used with decreasing doses of the FSH hormone applying 200 mg total, starting on day 6. For both treatments, a dose of PGF2α and eCG was administered at day 7. On day 9, the CIDR® was removed and the detection of estrus began every 4 h with males equipped with aprons, and proceeded to give natural riding to the presence of heat. Seven days after mounting, embryos were collected from superovulated sheep by laparotomy, and then transferred to the recipients. At the time of washing, it was found that the ovulatory response was not very satisfactory, embryo collection was carried out only in 3 females of T1, 9 embryos were recovered and transferred, all successfully arriving at delivery. The present study showed a low ovulatory response to hormonal treatment, avocado oil supplementation showed no effects due to the poor response of females; However, good results were observed in the gestation rate, so we believe that more research is required.