The development of sheep reproductive breeding model with using mating maker

The demand for sustainable sheep farming practices and the need for new technological software and equipment is increasing day by day. Therefore, the integration of smart flock management systems becomes crucial for high-efficiency sheep farming enterprises. This study was conducted using 206 Merino sheep. Various technological tools were used to record the data of the sheep. Digital ear tags, sheep guiding system, ear tag reader station, automatic weighing, and data converter were employed to record information such as age, breed, body condition score, live weight, health scores, diseases (parasitic, infectious, metabolic, and traumatic), symptoms, treatment protocols, and vaccine and medication applications. Out of the 195 female animals, 60 were selected for the study. These selected females were subjected to a synchronization protocol using progesterone sponges for 11 days, followed by the administration of 500 IU PMSG on the 11th day. Estrus data, including estrus duration, behaviors, sponge application, and return rate, were also analyzed. There was a significant difference in duration between the groups that received sponge mating and those that experienced sponge return (P<0.001). No significant relationship was found between body condition score and live weight (P>0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was observed between body condition score and observed estrus durations (P<0.05). The study results indicated a positive correlation between ram service capacity and pregnancy rate (Rs=0.9, P<0.037), while a negative correlation was found between sperm concentration and pregnancy rate (Rs=0.9, P<0.037). Individual pregnancy prediction was estimated as 3.23 ± 2.47 in the regression analysis. The estimated difference between mating day and predicted due date was -0.47 ± 0.53, while the absolute difference for the flock prediction was determined to be 3.1 ± 0.3 on average. All procedures and observations were recorded and digitized. Cameras were used to detect the mating area of the sheep, and all data were stored digitally. The aim of this study was to develop a user-friendly technological material for veterinary practitioners and breeders. The material, ready for field use in the reproductive field, is expected to contribute to the country's economy.