protocols breeding reproduction management

Main Protocols 2021 - Breeding Control

Comprehensive breeding management protocol: estrus synchronization, breeding protocols, group formation, and culling criteria

Sheeping Professional Team •

General Overview

The original growing protocols were written as an initiative of the Sheep Breeders Association. Since 2012, when the original protocol was written, many changes have been introduced into the professional routine in the industry. The current document aims to implement these changes and add missing points and procedures that the original protocol did not address.

Activities are organized by different professional topics. To present the subject in an easy-to-navigate and clear way for implementation, we chose four main topics, with each topic appearing in a separate chapter.

The Four Main Topics:

  • Young stock rearing
  • Flock exit points
  • Preparation for lambing
  • Breeding control

Chapter 4 - Breeding Control in Sheep

Breeding Season

Timing:

  • The breeding season begins in late August
  • Generally continues until mid to late December

Estrus Synchronization Protocol

Synchronization Method

Estrus synchronization will be done using:

  • Insertion of sponge or CIDR for 12 days
  • Then removal
  • Injection of PMSG

PMSG Hormone Dosage

Outside Natural Season (January-July):

  • 450-500 International Units

In Natural Season (August-December):

  • Advisable to reduce to 200-300 International Units
  • In special cases, can reduce PMSG level even further

Melatonin Treatment to Increase Conception Rates

When to Use:

  • During sexual quiescence period
  • From mid-April to end of July

Treatment Method:

  • Use melatonin implant (product Regulin)
  • Application at the base of sheep’s ear
  • 50 days before planned breeding date

Benefit:

  • Increases conception rates during sexual quiescence period

Detailed Breeding Protocol

Stage One - Sponge Removal and PMSG Injection

  • Remove sponge/CIDR
  • Inject PMSG
  • Introduce 10 rams per 100 ewes

Stage Two - Next Morning

  • Introduce another 10 rams per 100 ewes

Stage Three - 36 Hours Post-Injection

  • In the evening (36 hours from PMSG injection time)
  • Introduce all available rams

Stage Four - Breeding Period

  • Keep rams with ewes for 5 days
  • Until demands calm down completely

Stage Five - Repeat Breeders

  • Remove rams
  • Re-introduce them after 14 days from PMSG injection date
  • For one week
  • Number of rams will be adapted to intensity of demands

Building Groups for Synchronization

Animals Included in Synchronization:

  1. Ewes Post-Lambing

    • Animals that will be 50 days from lambing

  2. Empty Ewes

    • Negative on previous pregnancy test
    • Decided to keep in flock

  3. Replacement Ewe Lambs

    • Age 8-10 months

Animal Exit Points from Flock Due to Productivity

Establishing Culling Criteria (35 Days Post-Lambing)

Criteria for Evaluation:

  1. Age
  2. Physical Assessment:
    • Udder structure
    • Legs
    • Body size
  3. Productivity:
    • Milk
    • Prolificacy (number of lambs)

Marking and Culling Process

Stage 1 - Pre-Breeding Marking:

  • Mark animals designated for exit
  • After completion of recovery process from lambing
  • After increase in their body weight

Stage 2 - Concentration for Breeding:

  • Mark and concentrate animals designated for breeding

Stage 3 - Exclusion from Treatment:

  • Those designated for exit will not receive hormonal treatment

Pregnancy Testing and Ewe Culling

Testing Schedule

  • Set pregnancy testing date for 50-55 days post-breeding

Culling Criteria

Multiple Breedings Without Conception:

  • Ewes that didn’t conceive despite repeat breedings
  • Cull after two consecutive negative pregnancy tests

“Phantom” Pregnancy:

  • Ewes that arrived at lambing date empty
  • Despite positive pregnancy test
  • Will be removed from the flock

Key Points to Remember

Estrus Synchronization

  1. Sponge/CIDR insertion duration: 12 days
  2. PMSG outside season: 450-500 units
  3. PMSG in season: 200-300 units
  4. Melatonin: 50 days before, April-July

Breeding Protocol

  1. Start: 10 rams/100 ewes
  2. Next day: +10 additional rams
  3. 36 hours: All rams
  4. Duration: 5 days
  5. Repeat breeders: After 14 days, one week

Group Formation

  1. 50 days post-lambing
  2. Negative on previous test
  3. Ewe lambs 8-10 months

Culling Criteria

  1. Testing: 50-55 days post-breeding
  2. Two negative tests: Cull
  3. Phantom pregnancy: Immediate cull

Protocol Importance

Proper breeding control is critical for:

Breeding Efficiency:

  • High conception rates
  • Concentrated lambings
  • Production planning
  • Labor management

Flock Health:

  • Avoiding unnecessary stress
  • Proper hormone use
  • Veterinary monitoring
  • Removal of problematic animals

Economic Efficiency:

  • Maximizing prolificacy
  • Reducing empty days
  • Improving genetics
  • Resource optimization

Practical Tips

Advance Planning

  • Set breeding dates in advance
  • Order hormones on time
  • Coordinate with veterinarian
  • Prepare rams

Synchronization Implementation

  • Correct sponge/CIDR insertion
  • Mark removal date
  • Prepare syringes and medications
  • Accurate recording

Breeding Management

  • Test ram fertility beforehand
  • Monitor heats
  • Record breeding dates
  • Plan pregnancy testing

Monitoring and Control

  • Timely pregnancy testing
  • Record results
  • Identify repeat breeders
  • Make culling decisions

Preventing Common Problems

Low Conception Rates

  • Possible Causes:
    • Inappropriate PMSG dosage
    • Incorrect timing
    • Infertile rams
    • Harsh environmental conditions
  • Solutions:
    • Adjust dosage for season
    • Use melatonin in quiescence period
    • Test ram fertility
    • Improve conditions

Lambing Spread

  • Causes:
    • Non-uniform synchronization
    • Many repeat breedings
  • Solutions:
    • Proper sponge use
    • Precise breeding protocol
    • Handle repeat breeders

Heat Detection Problems

  • Causes:
    • High density
    • Extreme heat/cold
    • Diseases
  • Solutions:
    • Reduce density
    • Improve environmental conditions
    • Health monitoring

Seasonal Considerations

Natural Breeding Season (August-December)

Advantages:

  • Strong natural heats
  • Lower PMSG dosage
  • High conception rates

Challenges:

  • Competition for rams
  • Natural heat dispersion
  • Need for precise management

Sexual Quiescence Period (January-July)

Advantages:

  • Complete timing control
  • Concentrated lambings
  • Production planning

Challenges:

  • Need for high PMSG dosage
  • Melatonin use required
  • Potentially lower conception rates

Ram-to-Ewe Ratio

Basic Recommendations

  • Breeding start: 10% (10 rams per 100 ewes)
  • Next day: 20% (20 rams per 100 ewes)
  • Peak (36 hours): All available rams
  • Repeat breedings: According to heat intensity

Considerations

  • Ram age: Young rams - lower ratio
  • Experience: Experienced rams - higher ratio
  • Body condition: Fit rams - more efficient work
  • Heat: In extreme heat - reduce ratio

Ram Management

Pre-Breeding Preparation

8 Weeks Before Breeding:

  • Shear rams for heat management
  • Trim hooves
  • Perform breeding soundness exam
  • Check body condition (score 3-3.5)

4 Weeks Before Breeding:

  • Increase nutrition if needed
  • Vaccinations as recommended
  • Treat for internal/external parasites
  • Isolate from ewes

1 Week Before Breeding:

  • Final health check
  • Prepare marking harnesses
  • Plan ram rotation
  • Brief staff on protocol

During Breeding Period

  • Monitor ram activity
  • Rotate tired rams
  • Check for injuries
  • Ensure adequate nutrition and water
  • Record individual ram performance

Ewe Management

Pre-Synchronization

Body Condition:

  • Target score: 2.5-3.0
  • Not too thin (< 2.0)
  • Not too fat (> 3.5)

Nutrition:

  • Flushing for thin ewes 2-3 weeks before
  • Maintain good condition ewes
  • Reduce fat ewes gradually

Health:

  • Hoof trimming 4-6 weeks before
  • Parasite control
  • Vaccinations per veterinarian
  • Treat any chronic conditions

Post-Synchronization

  • Monitor for signs of heat
  • Record breeding dates
  • Identify non-responders
  • Separate bred from unbred

Pregnancy Testing Strategy

Timing

  • First test: 50-55 days post-breeding
  • Advantages: Early culling of empties, time for rebreeding
  • Method: Ultrasound recommended

Record Keeping

  • Individual ewe ID
  • Breeding date
  • Test date and result
  • Number of fetuses if detectable
  • Rebreeding plans

Decision Making

Positive Test:

  • Move to pregnant group
  • Adjust nutrition
  • Plan for lambing

Negative Test (First Time):

  • Mark for rebreeding
  • Check for health issues
  • Consider body condition

Negative Test (Second Time):

  • Cull unless exceptional genetics
  • Document reason for keeping if retained

Genetic Improvement

Selection Criteria

Keep Ewes That:

  • Breed on time
  • Consistently pregnant
  • Twin or triplet regularly
  • Produce good milk
  • Have sound udders
  • Show good mothering
  • Healthy, sound structure

Cull Ewes That:

  • Fail to conceive twice
  • Single lambs consistently
  • Poor milk production
  • Udder problems
  • Chronic health issues
  • Poor mothering ability
  • Structural problems

Ram Selection

  • Proven fertility
  • Good libido
  • Sound structure
  • Desirable genetics
  • Disease-free status
  • Appropriate breed characteristics

Summary

A proper breeding control protocol is key to economic success in sheep farming. Precise synchronization, timed breeding, careful monitoring, and timely culling of problematic animals - all ensure maximum breeding efficiency, concentrated labor, and optimal production planning.

The protocol should be adapted to the specific timing of each farm, climate conditions, and ongoing consultation with a breeding consultant and veterinarian is recommended.

Additional Resources

For optimal success:

  • Work closely with breeding consultant
  • Coordinate with veterinarian
  • Keep detailed records of:
    • Synchronization dates
    • Breeding dates
    • Pregnancy test results
    • Culling decisions
  • Annual performance review
  • Stay updated on new technologies
  • Network with successful producers
  • Attend industry workshops

Success in breeding management comes from attention to detail, consistent application of protocols, and continuous improvement based on flock performance data.