Effects of different fat sources (saturated and unsaturated) on reproductive performance and biological indices of ewes during flushing period

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding different sources of fat during flushing period on the reproductive performance, lambing percent, and twin numbers of Afshari ewes. A total of 84 ewes (mean weight 48 ± 3 kg; age: 3–4 years) were divided into seven groups of 12 animals and received flushing-specific rations for 5 weeks. The control group just received a basic ration (non-flushing). Lipid sources were calcium salt of palm oil (CaP), pure palm oil (PO), calcium salt of flaxseed (CaFL), calcium salt of sunflower oil (CaSF), flaxseed oil (FLO), and sunflower oil (SFO). Estrous cycles were synchronized in all ewes using 14-day CIDRs followed by 400-IU PMSG injection at the time of CIDR removal. Fertility and lambing percent were higher in ewes fed with diets containing calcium salts of flaxseed and SFO, as compared to other treatments. Total number of lambs in flushing treatments was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.01). Serum cholesterol and progesterone levels were significantly greater in omega-3 (CaFL) and omega-6 (CaSF) treatments relative to other treatments (p < 0.01). It was concluded that supplementing the flushing diet with calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) increased blood metabolites and hormones related to reproductive performance; and improved fertility, lambing rate and ewes of CaFL treatment have the highest number of lambs (16 lambs) between different groups. Using saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, especially in their CSFA forms during flushing period, could improve the reproduction problems induced by progesterone deficiency, lack of durability of the fetus due to hormonal instability, and abortion control factors.