Effect of omega-3 fatty acid and antioxidant sources during flushing period on some blood parameters and lambing performance of breeding ewes

Abstract

Introduction: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of using omega-3 fatty acid
and antioxidant sources during flushing period on some blood parameters and lambing
performance of breeding ewes. Recent experience has shown that the use of omega-3 and
antioxidants improves reproduction performance.
Materials & Methods: 256 ewes were randomly divided into 8 groups with 32 ewes. The
ewes daily received diets containing vitamin E (800 IU/day), fish oil (35 g/kg DM), and
L-carnitine (500 mg/kg DM) or a combination of these. The blood samples were collected to
investigate HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, triglycerides and cholesterol. Number of follicles,
twinning, viability and abortion were investigated.
Results: Adding fish oil into diet, decreased LDL-C and VLDL-C (P<0.05). The highest
number of follicles at the time of lambing, the highest number of twinning and the lowest
number of abortions were observed in the groups of combined use of fish oil and antioxidants
(P<0.05). Also, the lowest number of follicles, the lowest number of twinning and the highest
number of abortions were observed in the fish oil group alone (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results showed that a combination of fish oil and antioxidants in the diet
during the flushing period is recommended to improve reproduction in ewes during the flushing
period.