Effects of replacing fat in flushing diet on reproductive performance of Lori-Bakhtiari ewes

In this study, the effects of using fat in flushing diet on conception and lambing rate of Lori-Bakhtiari ewes was evaluated. Three-hundred dry and healthy ewes with 2-7 years of age randomly divided into three groups (n=100) in a completely randomized design for receiving three diets as: group 1 (control): no flushing (treatment 1), group 2: 250 grams barley grain per each ewe (treatment 2) and group 3: 144.5 grams barley grain 50 grams supplemental fat per each ewe (treatment 3). Ewes received dietary supplements from two weeks before up to three weeks after ram introduction. Conception rate in different heat periods, overall conception rate, lambing and twining rate were recorded. Conception rate at first heat period in ewes in treatment 3 was higher than the other groups and in second heat period was higher than treatment 1 (P0.05). Ewes with scores 2.5 and 4.5 had the lowest conception rate respectively and the highest was in ewes with scores 3-4 (P 0.05) in three groups. In general, using fat in flushing diet of Lori-Bakhtiari ewes improved lambing rate.