Estrus synchronization of Desert ewes under dryland farming in North Kordofan, Sudan

Estrus synchronization, as a climate change adaptation, was imposed on two hundred Sudan Desert ewes (9-10 months old, 28 kg av. wt.), under dryland farming in North Kordofan, Sudan, during JanuaryAugust 2019. The ewes were supplemented with a concentrate mixture (200 g/head/day) one-month prior to trials, divided into four similar groups and randomly assigned to four treatments. A control receiving no treatment (A), synchronized with FGA sponges (40 mg) for 14 days plus 400 IU PMSG (B), or plus 600 IU PMSG (C), or by the ram effect (D). Ten rams were introduced for natural mating. Highest (P<0.01) fertility (82.0%) and fecundity (78.0%) rates were for ewes in C and B, respectively. Prolificacy rate was slightly highest (P>0.05) in C (85.4%) while comparatively highest (P>0.05) litter size resulted in B (1.1). Highest lamb weights (P<0.01) at birth and at 30 days of age were for B (2.95 and 10.16 kg, respectively). Plasma progesterone concentrations were higher (P<0.01) for A, B and C compared with D. Estrus synchronization had improved desert ewe fertility and twining rates. Combined ram effect and estrus synchronization protocols for improving desert ewe productivity under dryland conditions in Sudan and similar ecological zones need to be studied.