RESEARCH REGARDING THE YOUTH FEMALE KARAKUL OF BOTOȘANI REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION

Al.M. Florea, I. Nechifor, A. Crismaru, C-tin Pascal

Abstract
    The aim of the research was to analyze the possibility of early use in breeding of young sheep in the current year in order to increase the degree of efficiency in the breed exploitation. The biological material subject to research belongs to the Karakul of Botoșani breed, has a known origin and is bred and improved for the production of skins. In order to be able to compare the results, three groups were differentiated by their age at the time of breeding, respectively a group that was 9 months old (L1) and two other groups were young females that were 15 and 20 months old (L2). and (L3). All three groups received the same experimental treatment, the only differentiating factor being age at the time of use in reproduction. Based on the data obtained towards the end of the breeding season, the main indicators specific to the breeding activity were determined. Regarding the fertility index, higher average values were obtained in the groups formed by females with 15 and 20 months of age, respectively 88.57% and 94.28%. In the case of the group of 9-month-old females, the value of this indicator was only 68.57%. On the other hand, when evaluating the prolificacy index, close values are found between the three groups, the differences being small and statistically insignificant. The obtained results confirm that over time fertility is influenced by the age of females at the time of lambing in a more intense way, its influence on prolificacy and fertility is reduced in intensity.