Effects of using hCG and Beta Carotene + Vitamin E Alone or in Combination on Fertility in Estrus-Synchronized Awassi Ewes

The present study was conducted at four different farms in Diyarbakır during the transition period (1.5 to 2 month before breeding season). A total of 306 Awassi ewes were divided into four groups before the study. All groups were treated with a progesterone sponge for 12 days, PGF2α on two days before sponge removal, 600 IU eCG on sponge removal day and 150 IU hCG on the day of mating. The control group of ewes (n= 91) did not receive any additional treatment. The ewes in vitamin group (n= 61) were treated twice with Beta (β) carotene + vitamin E on 7 days before the sponge insertion and the day of mating. The ewes in hCG group (n= 74) were treated with 150 IU hCG on day 12 after mating. The ewes in vitamin + hCG group (n= 80) were treated with β-carotene + vitamin E and hCG. Ewes standing to be mounted were considered in estrus and mated. Diagnosis of pregnancy was made by ultrasonography on the 30th day after mating. In control, hCG, vitamin, and vitamin + hCG groups, estrus, pregnancy, lambing, fecundity and multiple birth rates were similar (P>0.05). It was concluded that the treatments with vitamins (β-carotene + vitamin E), hCG or both, in addition to estrus synchronization during transition period in Awassi ewes did not significantly improve the fertility parameters.