| The objective of this study was to characterize the reproductive cycle both endocrinologically and behaviorally in ewes. Blood samples were analyzed by EIA for progesterone (P4), and RIA for estradiol in order to determine the breeding strategy of non-pregnant (n = 11) and pregnant (n = 9) White Karaman throughout the year in the Middle Anatolia (39.570N, 32.530W), Turkey. Estrous cycle lengths and estrous lengths were 18.36 ± 1.03 days and 35.16 ± 5.95 hours, respectively. The breeding season durations were 283 ± 63.36 days and 229.64 ± 63.74 days according to hormonal and behavioral data respectively (p £ 0.01). The highest and lowest data of estrous occurrence frequency was observed in October and June-July, respectively. P4 levels ranged from 0.01 to... |
