Comparison of fertility indices of Afshar ewes with different flushing diets of barley and corn

A number of 90 2-year-old Afshar ewes (second parity) with a weight of 50±5 kg and a body condition score (BCS) of 3 were selected at the end of July 1401. After one month of getting used to the sheepcotes, the study was started at the beginning of September, and 30 ewes were given a normal ration without flushing and were considered as the control group. In 30 ewes, in addition to the usual ration, from 3 weeks before ram breeding to 1 week after that, daily 450 grams of oat groats were used as flushing ration and were considered as the barley treatment group. Also, in 30 ewes, in addition to the normal diet group, from 3 weeks before ram breeding to 1 week after that, 450 grams of pounded corn was used daily instead of oatmeal, and were considered as the corn treatment group. Then, at the end of September, 6 rams (2 rams for each group) of Afshar breed (aged 2.5 to 3 years and BCS 4 ± 0.25 and weight 90 ± 5 kg) were left among the ewes. Mating in all ewes was registered and pregnancy diagnosis was done by ultrasound about 45 days after successful breeding in mated ewes. The findings showed that fecundity, prolificacy, and female sex ratio were higher in the barley group in compare to the other groups (P<0.05). It was concluded from this study that using barley as a flushing ration has better efficiency than other rations.