Effect of Nigella Sativa seeds, Royal jelly and Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophine on Some Reproductive Traits of Ossimi Ewes

ABSTARCT
Forty-eight Ossimi ewes aged 2-4 years and averaged 41±2.5 kg body weights were randomly
assigned into four equal groups (12/ each). All ewe groups were synchronized for estrous by intra -
vaginal progesterone-releasing sponges.
Sponges were inserted and remained in situ for 12 days before removal (as estrous
synchronization protocol). Control group not drenched anything. First group (T1) daily drenched orally
100 mg Nigella Sativa seeds (NSS) powder/kg/head for 12 days starting at the time of sponge insertion
until the time of sponge withdrawal. The second group (T2) drenched orally fresh Royal jelly (RJ) 500
mg per day/for 12 days, starting at time of sponge insertion until sponge withdrawal. Royal jelly (RJ)
was kept into natural drug capsules. The third group (T3) was intramuscularly injected at time of sponge
withdrawal, with 750 IU of Pregnant Mare Serum gonadotropin (PMSG).
A fertile, Ossimi ram ran with the ewes immediately following sponge removal at (day 0). Ewes
observed three times daily to identify and detect estrus for 3 days. Ultrasound scanner apparatus was
used to count number of corpus luteum and diagnose of pregnancy. Detection of pregnancy depended
on presence of embryos and/or embryonic fluid that filled the uterus.
The results indicated that the response of ewes to estrus synchronization did not differ among
the four groups. The response of the four groups was 100%. At the same time treatments led to increase
percentage of occurred estrus in the first 24 hr and also the estrus duration increased in the control group.
Ovulation rate at 8±1 days post mating as indicated by number of corpus luteum (CLs) recorded (p<
0.01 ) the higher values in T3 followed by T2, T1 and then control group for single or twin pregnant
ewes. The percentages of improvement in ovulation rate were 150%, 130% and 105% for T3, T2 and
T1, respectively compared to the control group (100%). Regardless of treatments, progesterone levels
at 8±1 or at 34±1 days were higher in twining pregnant ewes compared to single pregnant ones. Also,
percentages of conception rate were higher in T2 and T3 (91%), while the lowest value was recorded in
control group. Litter size per ewe at birth increased as a result of treatment effect. The highest values
recorded in T3 (1.63) flowed by T2 (1.54) and T1 (1.50), while the lowest values were recorded in
control group (1.22).
According to the net profit percentages, it could conclude that the best and more beneficial effects are occurred with PMSG. However, from the practical point of view, treatment with Nigella Sativa seeds could be preferred and effectively applied as it showed the lowest cost.