Postpartum Reproductive Activity and Body Weight Changes in Fat Tailed Ewes

To compare body weight losses and postpartum anoestrus, Red Karman (n = 20), Awassi (n = 20) and Tuj (n = 20) ewes that lambed in mid-winter (February to March) were monitored from parturition for eight months. Body Weight (BW) decreased until 2 months after parturiton in all breeds and Red Karaman had higher (p<0.05) BW than the other two breeds. The length of time between parturition and first oestrus did not differ between breeds. The duration of oestrus was significantly longer (p<0.01) in Red Karaman (37.0h±1.5) than Awassi (30.2h±1.6) and Tuj (29.8h±1.4). A greater percentage of Tuj ewes (68%) showed oestrus than Red Karman (26%) and Awassi (35%) ewes during the experimental period. Mating Red Karaman ewes and Awassi ewes in summer is inefficient compared to mating Tuj ewes due to a low percentage of ewes exhibiting oestrus at that time. Red Karaman ewes are likely to have better fertility and more lambs in the traditional mating period due to their greater bodyweight and longer duration of oestrus.