Date of Award
2018
Publisher
North Dakota State University
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Awarded
Master of Science (MS)
Program
Animal Sciences
Department
Animal Sciences
College
Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources
Faculty Advisor
Schauer, Christopher
Description
Two experiments determined the effects of flaxseed supplementation on reproductive parameters in sheep. In experiment one, 240 multiparous Rambouillet ewes were assigned to one of two treatments: basal ration alone or basal ration with a Flaxlic® Sheep Tub offered over 35 days. Serum was collected weekly for progesterone (P4). Flaxseed supplementation did not improve progesterone concentration or reproductive parameters (P ≥ 0.26). In experiment two, 120 Rambouillet ram lambs were assigned to one of two treatments: basal ration alone or basal ration with a Flaxlic® Sheep Tub offered over 112 days. Scrotal circumference measurements, serum for testosterone, and semen were collected on day 84 and 112. Day effects were found for select semen measurements, testosterone, weight, and scrotal circumference (P ≤ 0.05). There was no effect of treatment on testosterone concentration (P = 0.99) or any semen quality characteristics (P ≥ 0.33). Overall, tub supplementation did not alter reproductive ability.
Recommended Citation
Long, Amanda Marie, "Impacts of Flax on Female and Male Reproductive Traits When Supplemented Prior to Breeding in Sheep" (2018). Animal Sciences. 85.
https://digitalcommons.ndsu.edu/animal-sci/85
Rights
NDSU policy 190.6.2
Rights Link
https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/190.pdf
Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0002-9247-6609
Handle Identifier
https://hdl.handle.net/10365/29877