Reproductive Performance in Small Ruminants

How does poor reproductive performance impact sheep, goats and deer?

Poor reproductive performance can result in massive financial losses for producers, but it is challenging to properly identify associated causes until several months post breeding season. The ripple effect of poor reproductive management can result in early culling of ewes and does, unhealthy or high-risk young animals and an overall decline in operational profitability.

Causes of poor dam reproductive performance

• Inadequate nutrition:
  Nutrition plays a critical role in successful reproduction. Addressing potential deficiencies and maintaining a proper body condition score (BCS) of the dam improves the likelihood of a healthy birth and a timely breed back.
• Stress:
  Heat stress can impact fertility rates and cause early abortions. It is also always important to practice low-stress (slow and quiet) handling techniques.

Causes of poor sire reproductive performance

• Poor semen quality:
  Bulls that are underconditioned or sick will experience dips in semen quality and viability.
• Health concerns:
  Injury and disease can affect the buck’s libido or ability to breed ewes and does. Heat stress can also impact fertility rates. It is also always important to practice low-stress (slow and quiet) handling techniques.
• Insufficient sire to dam ratio:
  Having too few males available can also negatively impact performance.

3 ways to prevent poor reproductive performance in ewes and does

1. Close the energy gap.
Although fetal nutrient requirements are minimal during early and mid-gestation, from a production standpoint, gestation begins exactly when the dam’s nutrient requirements are greatest, due to the increased demands of lactation. Manage ewes and does appropriately and adjust supplementations accordingly to minimize BCS losses during this period.

2. Maximize immunity and health.
Post-parturition is typically a stressful time, as there are several physiological and nutritional changes taking place during this period. It is very important to ensure that ewes and does have an optimal immune status to maximize fertility. Some ewes and does will have a higher risk of uterine infections due to retained placenta and metritis after giving birth. Uterine infections and ovarian problems in small ruminants will inevitably influence fertility. Trace minerals, such as selenium, play a key role in maintaining a healthy immune system in the parturition period. Other trace minerals and major minerals play key roles in ovulation and cycling. If there is a deficiency in either, the possibility of anestrus becomes more likely. Research has proven that feeding these trace minerals in their organic form leads to these minerals being better absorbed, stored and utilized.

3. Focus on critical nutrients.
Genetic selection happens when the producer is making mating decisions, but you can program the fetus during gestation to help increase the profitability of your genetics by providing ideal growing conditions. For these vital organs to develop properly — and to maximize your young animals’ genetic potential — make sure gestating dams don’t run short of critical nutrients, like macro and trace minerals, vitamins and protein.