This study was carried to investigate the effect of estrus synchronization with and without PMSG injection on some reproductive efficiency and blood values of Iraqi Awassi sheep in Kirkuk province. The study conducted in sheep farm College of Agriculture ,University of Kirkuk on 26 adult Awassi ewes aged 2-3 years. and weighted 45 kg in an average. Ewes were divided into 3 groups, 1st group (10 ewes as a control), the 2nd group 9 ewes were subjected to estrus synchronization using intravaginal progestagen sponges. While the 3rd group (7 ewes) were estrus synchronized as in the 2nd group with intramuscular injection of 400 IU of PMSG at day of withdrawal of sponges . Blood samples were collected (2 ml) from the start of the study up to 6 months in a two week interval to determine hemoglobin concentration, Packed Cell Volume total and differential numbers of Leukocytes , ewes fertility and prolificacy , gestation period, lambs birth and weaning weights and average daily gain up to weaning (90 days of age) were recorded.
Results of the present study showed that hormonal treatment exerted significant effect (P<0.05) on ewe’s fertility with higher percentage in 1st and 3rd group, while its effect in ewe’s prolificacy lacked significance. Hormonal treatment affected lamb birth weight insignificantly, while its effect on average daily gain (ADG) and weaning weight was significant (P< 0.05) with higher weaning weight and ADG in the 1st and 3rd groups. The differences between hormonal treatment groups in Hb. Conc., total and differential leukocyte numbers lacked significance, while its effect in PCV was significant (P<0.05) with higher PCV in the 1st and 3rd groups.
Simple correlation coefficients between blood values and ewe’s fertility and prolificacy, gestation period, lamb birth and weaning weigh and ADG were insignificant with negative values for Hb. Conc., gestation period, lamb’s birth, weaning weights and ADG. PCV values showed negative and moderate correlation coefficient with lamb’s birth weight and ADG. Basophiles percentage showed positive moderate correlation with ewe’s reproductive performance and negative moderate correlations with lamb’s weights. It could be concluded from the study that ewes fertility and prolificacy improved with PMSG injection , while lambs growth and blood values were not affected by PMSG injection.