Comparative Study between Ovine Artificial Insemination and Free Mating in Ouled Djellal Breed

Available online at www.sciencedirect.com ScienceDirect APCBEE Procedia 8 (2014 ) 254 259 2013 4th International Conference on Agriculture and Animal Science (CAAS 2013) 2013 3rd International Conference on Asia Agriculture and Animal (ICAAA 2013) Comparative Study between Ovine Artificial Insemination and Free Mating in Ouled Djellal Breed A. Allaoui a, M. Tlidjane a, B. Safsaf a, W. Laghrour a a Laboratoire ESPA. Dpt des Sci.Vét.-ISVSA-Université Hadj Lakhdar Batna (05000). Algérie Abstract In Algeria, the artificial insemination is of a current application in cattle and is in its beginnings in sheep. To assess the impact of this biotechnology on the control of reproduction in Ouled Djellal breed (OD), we conducted a practice study at the artificial insemination and genetic amelioration center (CNIAAG) in Biskra s department and Bouchebaa's model farm in Constantine s Department. Our study focused on 350 ewes OD aged from 2 to 6 years and divided into two groups: - A: 300 ewes maintained at the farm Bouchebaa, rely on free mating - B: 50 ewes maintained at the CNIAAG - Biskra. Zootechnical performance are lower in-group B (fertility rate = 101% vs 66%, fertility rates = 86.70% vst 64% and prolificacy rate = 116, 54% vs 103%, respectively for free mating vs AI); for the last two parameters, this difference was significant (p <0.02). Concerning the success factors of AI, the statistical analysis revealed no significant difference, at the age (9 months, 3, 4 or 6) or class (yearling or adult) ram used for the seed harvest. In conclusion, we can say that the success rate of AI will never be similar to natural reproduction. Therefore, those farmers continue to show a limited interest for this technique. It should be noted that to date, the success rate recorded at AI sheep centers in Algeria vary from 46 to 76%. However, in free mating it is almost impossible to determine the paternal ancestry of newborns. Published 2013 Published by Elsevier by B.V. Elsevier This is an B.V. open Selection access article and/or under peer the CC review BY-NC-ND under license responsibility of Asia-Pacific Chemical, (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/). Biological & Environmental Engineering Society Selection and peer review under responsibility of Asia-Pacific Chemical, Biological & Environmental Engineering Society Keywords: artificial insemination - free mating - reproductive performance - Ouled Djellal breed. Corresponding author. Tel.: +213 33824707; fax: +213 33861717. E-mail address: ayathir@yahoo.fr. 2212-6708 Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/). Selection and peer review under responsibility of Asia-Pacific Chemical, Biological & Environmental Engineering Society doi:10.1016/j.apcbee.2014.03.036

A. Allaoui et al. / APCBEE Procedia 8 ( 2014 ) 254 259 255 1. Introduction In Algeria, the sheep is a true national wealth that can be appreciated through the high effective, which exceeds 22 million head (MARD, 2010) and the diversity of races that constitutes a good warranty for the future. However, breeding techniques currently used are generally rudimentary and limit considerably the productive capacity of this species which means a low productivity rate [1]-[3] added to a relatively low carcass weight [4] and contributing to a lack of red meat production. Over the past five years, the kilogram of sheep meat exceeded the limits of 1000 DA. More than that, it is essential to find ways of improving the productivity of our sheep flock and this goes hand in hand with improving the control of reproduction, which is the centerpiece of the economic efficiency of any breeding. One of the major improvement methods is the artificial insemination that while permitting to limit the number of rams used, constitutes a sure mean of genetic progress dissemination by the male pathway. In Algeria, the creation of three regional centers of sheep artificial insemination CIAO (wilaya Naama 2006 Biskra Tebessa 2008 and 2011) has led to the introduction of this technique in sheep and its nationally broadcasting. Technique already commonly applied in our cattle, it is only in its infancy with respect to the sheep. Even so, the use of artificial insemination after control of estrus in ewes can profit of all the benefits that offers this widespread biotechnology in the world. The complementarity of the two techniques (insemination and synchronization of estrus) is indisputable. Synchronization techniques and induction of estrus by hormonal treatments currently are experiencing a great development and a true popularization at our sheep farms, due to the awareness of farmers and the promising results obtained, thus demonstrating their success and efficiency in sheep in Algeria [3]. Whereas, the use of AI sheep saw these figures declined by almost 13,000 in 2008 to less than 2,000 in 2012 (see Table 1 A statistics at the CIAO), and for this reason that farmers are more reticent towards this technique, preferring the natural one. The advantage of this technique in sheep, is not only limited to obtain good results with the control cycles technique, but additionally facilitates the establishment of selection schemes in the offspring. In this context, our work aims to show the effect of synchronization and AI on reproductive performance and productivity among the Ouled djellal race. 2. Material and Methods 2.1. Management of Reproduction at Bouchebaa Pilot Farm The Bouchebaa pilot farm: is located in the town of El Khroub (wilaya of Constantine eastern Algeria) at a latitude of 36 28 'N and longitude 6 62' E. The climate is Mediterranean continental semi-arid. At this farm, the study involved 21 breeding rams and 300 ewes of Ouled Djellal race Hodna type and aged between 02 and 06 years. The male parents regularly undergo a general and a special examination of the reproductive tract. Before being put to mating, they are prepared two months before by a flushing based on a mixture (90% barley, 10% corn + soybean) grinded at a rate of 600 g / animal / day and oats fodder. Straw and water ad libitum, and a vitamin-mineral premix incorporated into the diet. Periods of mating spread over a period of five weeks (from 05 May to 9 June). There is another period of mating (autumn mating), which runs from October 15 until the end of November. The induction and synchronization protocol of estrus in ewes is: the put of sponges impregnated by the fluorogestone acetate (FGA) (Chronogest - Intervet) 30 mg for 12 days. The day of the withdrawal of the sponge an intramuscular injection of 400 IU ecg (Follegon - Intervet) is carried out. 48 hours after the withdrawal, the 21-parent rams are distributed over five boxes each containing 30 sheep. The management of reproduction and planning for the implementation of the induction and

256 A. Allaoui et al. / APCBEE Procedia 8 ( 2014 ) 254 259 synchronization protocol of estrus and the mating are detailed in Table 1. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound 45 days after removal of rams. Table 1. management and planning of reproduction in Bouchebaa pilot farm (spring free mating - by group) Total number of animal first Period of mating second Period of mating Rams 21 21 Sheep 150 150 Sex ratio 4 rams / 30 sheep Protocol procedure Put of sponge 21/04 03 /05 Withdrawal of sponge 03 /05 15/05 + PMSG (injection 400 UI) Introduction of rams 05/05 17/05 Withdrawal of rams 08 /05 20/05 2.2. Preparation, Synchronization and Insemination of Sheep in CIAO: CIAO is located in the town of Ouled Djellal (wilaya of Biskra: southeastern Algeria), at a latitude of 34 25 'N and longitude 5 40' E, the climate is arid. At the center, this study included a total of 50 ewes Ouled Djellal race, aged 2 to 6 years, the semen used for AI is harvested from six parents (03 adults, 03 yearlings). The sheep are separated from males in a pilot farm annex to the center. A week before the establishment of the estrus synchronization protocol, these sheep were prepared to mate by the distribution additional to fodder, usually made of straw, an energy supplement based on barley (400g/animal / day) and a vitamin-mineral supplement. This flushing lasted until the early weeks of gestation. The beginning of the synchronization protocol by vaginal sponges impregnated by the fluorogestone acetate 40 mg (FGA) (Chronogest - Intervet) was conducted on 20 th April and ended on 3 rd May, either a deposit of 14 days. The day of the withdrawal of the sponge (03 rd May at 07: 30h) it was injected to the animal by intramuscular 400 IU ecg (equine chorionic gonadotropin also called PMSG (pregnant mare serum gonadotropin)) (Follegon - Intervet). 55 hours after the withdrawal (the 05 th May at 14: 30h), an artificial insemination was performed with fresh semen of one of the six rams prepared in the center of AI in Ouled Djellal. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound on 10 th July (about 65 days after AI). 2.3. Statistical Analysis The results were subjected to analysis using ANOVA and Khi 2 test (to one factor), by the llogiciel Minitab 15 for determining the effect of the mating method on zoo technical performance and effect of age and / or class of the ram on the success of AI. The threshold of signification was set at p<0.05. 3. Results and Discussion Zootechnical performances (Table 2) are lower in IA group in comparison to the freestyle-mating group, with a fertility rate of 66% vs. 101%, for the fertility rate 64% vs. 86.70% and the rate of prolificacy 103% vs. 116 54%. The differences are highly significant (p <0.02) only for fertility and prolificacy. Belkasmi et al. [5]

A. Allaoui et al. / APCBEE Procedia 8 ( 2014 ) 254 259 257 found themselves results, which also go in the same direction, with lower fertility rates than ours, 43% to 90% against AI for freestyle mating. Whereas, prolificacy rates are higher in AI than in freestyle mating with 152% vs 108%. Dekhili and Aggoune [6] obtained lower rates (88% for prolificacy) while Dekhili [2] noted in O.D ewes in extensive breeding a fertility rates around 93% and 110% in prolificacy rate. The variability of the conduct and management of livestock explain these differences. Using synchronisation treatments are a useful tool not only for AI programmes but also in natural mating, particularly to ensure lambing in anoestrous season. However, many studies report that synchronisation causes reduced fertility after cervical AI [7] and after natural mating [8]. Table 2. Effect of artificial insemination on zootechnical performance Zootechnical performance Insemination Free style mating Signification Fertility 64% 86, 70 %. p< 0,02 Prolificacy 103 % 116, 54 %. p< 0,02 Fecundity 66 % 101 % Non-significant Otherwise, we impute often wrongly to the sheep the balance sheet of breeding, while the responsibility of the male is also be considered, as noted by Colas [9]. According to Augas et al. [10], the role of ram is essential on the results of reproduction because it acts both on fertility and on prolificacy (depending on the aptitudes of the sheep). In our study the statistical analysis for the success factors related to AI males, has not revealed any significant difference in age (9 months, 3, 4 or 6) or class (yearlings or adult) of the ram used for harvesting the semen used for AI. The male may greatly influence fertility results after cervical AI and that variation in fertility of ram ejaculates exists independently of the sperm quality and after cervical inseminations with fresh semen [11] or frozen semen [12]. In addition, the same variations exists after laparoscopic inseminations with frozen semen [13]. In comparative study Mohamed Nour et al.[14], obtained a high rate of pregnancy in (100 %) in intrauterine artificial insemination and natural mating than in intracervical artificial insemination (20%). In contrast, intrautrine AI showed a lower rate of lambing (20.0%) than in intracervical AI and natural mating respectively with 60.0 and 66.6%. According to Augas et al. [10] in sheep, fertility rates obtained after a synchronized mating are qualified as - Bad: 0-40%. - Medium: between 40 to 60%. - Good: between 60 to 100%.By analyzing the results obtained at the farm Bouchebaa we can say that the fertility rate obtained is considered to be good. This can be explain by certain rules of reproduction management: - Respect of the estrus synchronization protocol. - Preparation of parent ram by flushing started two months before the beginning of the put in reproduction. - Male / Female Ratio: a ram / ewe 6-7 slightly lower than indicated by Augas et al. [10], which recommend a ram / 4-5 adult ewes tussled after synchronization mating treatment. The method of mating in groups performed in the state farm Bouchebaa present a main advantage, its facility of implementation compared to the IA or the mating by hand. However, with this method, it is almost impossible to determine the paternal ancestry of newborns and therefore no screening program can be considered. The efficiency of different methods used in flocks depend equally to some factors, such as age of ewes, that had a significant effect on the non-return rate, but not on lambing rate [12]. However, the pregnancy and lambing rates in the ewes decline significantly as age advanced [15]. The detrimental effect of increased fertility age could be explained by the fact that aged ewes have increased risks of reproductive disorders and decreased ovulation rates with quality ovulated oocytes compared with younger ewes.

258 A. Allaoui et al. / APCBEE Procedia 8 ( 2014 ) 254 259 4. Conclusion In conclusion we can say that the success rate of AI are weaker compared to freestyle mating. This could be explained by several factors: the axe of action of the centers, which is very weak because of the limited time of semen conservation (average 8:00) and therefore the risk of deterioration of sperm quality during the period of transport. To this handicap, we can add the limited lifespan of sperm in the diluents used the oftenchaotic management at our farms (often-unbalanced nutrition especially during critical phases of pregnancy in sheep, lack of health care and livestock by professionals, etc.), and the novelty of this technique in Algeria. So that farmers continue to show a mild interest for this technique, which to date has not been successful and where success rates recorded at the AI sheep centers in Algeria vary from 46 to 76%. The mating method performed in groups at the state farm Bouchebaa present as a main advantage, its ease of implementation compared to the IA or the mating by hand, and a disadvantage linked to the impossibility of determining paternal ancestry of the newborns and therefore no selection program can be considered. For this reason and in order to optimize the aptitudes of reproduction of our livestock and preserve our sheep genetic patrimony by purification, improvement, and formalization (Genealogical card) of O.D race, it is recommended to educate farmers about the benefits of artificial insemination. References [1] Dekhili M, Aggoun A. Paramètres génétiques de la productivité numérique des brebis Ouled-Djellal. Dans Renc. Rech. Ruminants 13 ; 2006. [2] Dekhili M. Fertilité des élevages ovins type «Hodna» menés en extensif dans la région de Sétif. Dans Agronomie numéro 0-2010. [3] Safsaf B, Tlidjane M. Effet du type de synchronisation des chaleurs sur les paramètres de la reproduction des brebis Ouled Djellal dans la steppe algérienne. Dans Renc. Rech. Ruminants 17 ; 2010. [4] Zouyed I. Engraissement des ovins. Caractéristiques des carcasses et modèle de classification. Mémoire de Magister en médecine Vétérinaire, université Mentouri de Constantine 2005 ; 102. [5] Belkasmi F, Madani T, Semara L, Allouche L, Mouffok C. Effet de la synchronisation et de l insémination artificielle sur la productivité de l élevage ovin dans la région semi-aride algérienne. Dans Renc Rech Ruminants 17 ; 2010. [6] Dekhili M, Aggoun A. Performances reproductives de brebis de race Ouled-Djellal, dans deux milieux contrastés. Dans Arch. Zootec. 2007; 56 (216): 963-966. [7] Robinson TJ, Moore NW, Lindsay DR, Fletcher IC, Salamon S. Fertility following synchronization of oestrus in sheep with intravaginal sponges.1. Effects of vaginal douche, supplementary steroids, time of insemination, and numbers and dilution of spermatozoa. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 1970; 21(5): 767-781. [8] Hawk HW, Conley HH. Involvement of cervix in sperm transport failures in reproductive-tract of ewe. Biology of Reproduction 1975; 13 (3): 322-328. [9] Colas G. L insémination artificielle chez les ovins. Dans insémination artificielle ovine. Editions SEARLE PARIS 1976 ; 11-16 pp [10] Augas JP, Boyer M, Favre Bonvin J, Garraud E, Kuppel B, Melin N, Sagot L, Moulinard D. Reproduction : Les grandes règles pour produire un maximum d agneaux. Dans Bellac Ovin, CELMAR, CEPV, INSEM OVIN, CCBE, CIIRPO/institut de l élevage. INRA Paris ; 2010. [11] Paulenz H, Adnoy T. Fossen O. Soderquist L. Berg KA. Effect of deposition site and sperm number on the fertility of sheep inseminated with liquid semen. Veterinary Record 2002; 150 (10): 299-302. [12] Paulenz H, Adnoy T. Soderquist L. Comparison of fertility results after vaginal insemination using different thawing procedures and packages for frozen ram semen. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 2007; 49: 44-60. [13] Eppleston J, Evans G, Roberts EM. Effect of time of PMSG and GnRH on the time of ovulation, LH secretion and reproductive performance after intrauterine insemination with frozen ram semen. Animal Reproduction Science 1991; 26 (3-4): 227-237.

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