Reproductive prolificacy, growth responses and mortality rates in pregnant ewes and their lambs supplemented with selenium and vitamin E

ABSTRACT

Supplementation with either selenium or vitamin E or both had a significant effect on reproductive performance in sheep, when compared with control group. Significant response in growth rate was recorded, varied from p <0.05 to 0.001 at birth, until 3rd week, with increases in gain/day. High% of number of lambs born/ewe reaching to 130, 120 and 160% for vitamin E, selenium and vitamin E and selenium groups, respectively. Mortality rate was markedly reduced, with its elevation in control group reaching to 75%, developing WMD, while none of the lambs of supplemented groups developed WMD. Increased number of ewes with multiple births [twins and triplets], but there was no difference between supplemented groups. Decreased percentage of ewes had either dystocia or vaginal prolapse and the incidence of abortion