Evaluation of two sources of choline on reproductive variables in primiparous ewes: Two sources of choline on reproductive variables in ewes

Resumen

Objective: to evaluate the reproductive response of primiparous ewes supplemented with herbal choline and synthetic choline during an estrus synchronization protocol.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: ninety-two 15-month-old primiparous ewes were used, with initial body weight of 50 ± 1.25 kg. The ewes were distributed randomly in three (T) treatments: T1 (basic diet without choline), T2 (basic diet + 4 g of herbal choline), and T3 (basic diet + 4 g of synthetic choline).

Results: there were no differences among treatments for presentation and onset of estrus, the pregnancy rate, prolificacy, type of delivery (lambing), and insulin concentration (p > 0.05). But the concentration of progesterone did decrease (p ≤ 0.05) before estrus with the addition of herbal choline to the diet.

Limitations/ Implications of the study: the dietary addition of herbal or synthetic choline (4 g d^-1) did not improve reproductive variables, because the level of supplementation was low. Or else, the animals synthesized or consumed a sufficient amount of choline for their metabolic functions.

Findings/ Conclusions: the inclusion of herbal or synthetic choline during synchronized estrus in primiparous ewes did not alter the reproductive variables, while progesterone concentrations were modified due to herbal choline supplementation.