The Role of Housing Conditions on the Success of Artificial Insemination in Intensively Reared Dairy Ewes in Greece

Simple Summary Artificial insemination (AI) is a powerful tool for animals' genetic improvement. However, its application in sheep remains relatively limited due to inconsistent results, since the success of the method is dependent on many factors. In our study, we investigated the impact of housing conditions during the summer period on the fertility of dairy sheep in Greece, after cervical AI with cooled semen. The pregnancy rate was found to be negatively affected by the ambient temperature and Temperature-Humidity Index inside the shed, space availability, frequency of bedding renewal, and outdoor access. Appropriate housing conditions could help to increase pregnancy rates following AI during the summer months. The objective was to assess the effect of housing conditions during the summer months on the success rates of cervical artificial insemination (AI) with cooled semen, in intensively reared dairy ewes in Greece. The study involved 2083 Lacaune ewes from 23 flocks that were serviced during May to September. An estrous synchronization protocol with the insertion of progestogen sponges for 14 days and eCG administration at sponge removal, was used. All ewes were inseminated 54-57 h after sponge removal with cooled semen (15 degrees C) from 10 Lacaune rams. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed via trans-dermal ultrasonography at 35-40 days after AI. Data recording started the day after sponge placement (15 days prior to AI), and lasted up to 14 days after AI. Daily records included temperature, relative humidity, and Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) inside the shed. Available space and volume per animal, frequency of bedding renewal, access to a yard, and indoor light were also recorded in each farm. Binary logistic regression of data records showed that temperature and THI increases at days -15 to +4 around AI (day 0) had a negative effect on pregnancy rates (reducing the likelihood of pregnancy by 3-6% and 7%, respectively). The latter also decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in farms with high stocking density, non-frequent bedding renewal, and outdoor access by ewes (by 30%, 34%, and 44%, respectively). Overall, the results indicate that appropriate housing conditions are warranted to increase the success of AI in dairy ewes during the summer months.