REPRODUCTIVE PATTERNS IN THE PELIBUEY EWE IN TROPICAL MEXICO

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to analyze information on reproductive patterns of the Pelibuey ewe in tropical México. Initially, a decrease in the Pelibuey ewe´s reproductive activity was attributed to seasonal nutritional deficiencies; however, recent studies show that this decline is more obvious from March to May, regardless of good nutrition. It has been observed that the season of the year also affects prolificness, especially when females are bred in autumn; whereas ewes lambing during the first months of the year, have a tendency to show longer postpartum anoestrus periods and interlambing intervals, than ewes lambing during summer or autumn. On the other hand, regardless of nutrition and body weight, ewes born in spring reach puberty at a younger age that those born in summer or autumn. According to the reviewed information, even under conditions of constant nutrition, the ovaric activity of the Pelibuey ewe is affected by the season of the year. However, no studies were found about the effects of photoperiods upon the reproductive pattern of the Pelibuey sheep in tropical México.