Effects of Flushing and Selenium-Vitamin E Administration on Reproductive Performance, some Hematological, and Biochemical Parameters in Gezira Ecotype Ewes During the Non-Breeding Season

الملخص

This study investigated the effects of flushing and intramuscular administration of selenium
(Se) and vitamin E (Vit E) on reproductive performance (number of service conception rate,
lambing and twining rate), some hematological parameters (white blood cells, lymphocyte, red
blood cells), and some blood biochemical constituents (total protein, albumin, glucose,
triglycerides, cholesterol, inorganic phosphorus, calcium and aminotransferase) in 24 adult
Gezira ecotype ewes (Dubasi and Shugor; aged 2–3 years; mean body weight 36 kg) during the
non-breeding season (March–May 2018). all ewes were kept on basal diets for adaptation
period for three weeks and randomly assigned to six equal groups (n=3/group): (A) control
(basal diet only), (B) 50% concentrate supplementation, (C) 100% concentrate
supplementation, (D) half-dose Se+Vit E, (E) full-dose Se+Vit E, and (F) 100% concentrate +
full-dose Se+Vit E. Treatments were administered for eight weeks (four weeks pre- and four
weeks post-mating). Breeding was done on 15 days post treatment with the sires of proven
fertility. Reproductive performance (conception rate, lambing rate, twinning rate) was
significantly higher (P<0.01) in all treated groups compared to controls. Hematological
analysis revealed significant increases (P<0.01) in white blood cell and lymphocyte counts in
treated ewes, while red blood cell indices showed no significant differences. Serum total
protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and
aminotransferase activities were elevated in treated groups relative to controls. In conclusion,
concentrate supplementation alone or combined with Se+Vit E administration effectively
improved reproductive efficiency and health status in Gezira ecotype ewes during the non-
breeding season