LAUSR

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the role of ram effect combined with temporary weaning on P4, LH, follicular size and reproductive performance of hair ewes during postpartum. Pluriparous Santa Ines ewes (n = 99) during 15 to 30 days postpartum were selected and isolated from rams for an additional period of 30 days. Before exposure to rams, ewes were allocated to experimental groups, where on SI0, no suckling interruption was performed, and in SI24 and SI48, suckling interruption was performed for 24 and 48 hours, respectively. Mean P4 was according to anestrus condition before the introduction of rams, and it reached cyclicity levels after contact between genders. Ewes displaying a single estrus were more frequent in SI24 than SI48 (P 〈 0.05). The LH pre-ovulatory peaks were detected within 44 hours and 60 hours after introduction of rams, irrespectively of the group. Ovulatory follicles reached a more significant size in SI24 than SI0 and SI48 (P