Economic analysis of artificial insemination and induced ovulation in sheep

Végh, Julianna – Gulyás, László – Szalka, Éva – Németh, Attila

Keywords: biotechnical methods, mutton production, competitiveness, buying-up prices, lamb-export, profitability

During their investigations the authors dealt with the practical applications and economic analysis of two biotechnical methods - oestrus induction and arti¬ficial insemination – in the interests of improving domestic lambing's profitabil¬ity and competitiveness.
Two groups of animals of different species were examined. Attempts were made out of season, at the end of May, to impregnate Hungarian merino lambs in the first group, and Lacaune and Lacaune-crossed ewe lambs in the second group, following oestrus induction. In this manner, animals were taken into breeding four months before the usual breeding season, targeting the higher buying-up price for slaughter-lambs.
The cost of treatment was significantly lower than the extra profit achieved in the market in December. Furthermore, the longer lactation period and increased quantity of milk resulted in additional income from the Lacaune stock.
These investigations proved that breeders with suitable maintenance and feeding conditions can try different biotechnical methods with success. With the help of biotechnical methods the profitability of sheep breeding can be raised. These methods are already available for breeders.

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