Effects of two twice-a-year breeding schedules in Tahirova and Sönmez sheep

Sönmez and Tahirova sheep were evaluated under two different twice-a-year breeding schedules. Ewes were exposed for 30 d starting on August 1 and February 1 for schedule I, and on September 1 and March 1 for schedule II. A total of 67 sheep were used composed of Tahirova and Sonmez breeds. Effects of season, breed, breeding schedule, parity, litter size, test day and schedule within season were investigated. Traits of primary interest were conception rate, litter size at birth, weaning weight, litter weaning weight, milk yield, milk components and Somatic Cell Count, which is an indication of udder health. There were significant differences between the breeds for various traits. Sonmez breed had higher milk yield and heavier lambs per ewe exposed compared to the Tahirova breed. Tahirova breed had a higher percentage of milk fat compared to the Sonmez breed. In general, sheep breeding in the fall season produced higher milk yield and a higher percentage of milk fat compared to the spring breeders. In general, fall breeders had better results, but those animals that did not conceive in the fall season were bred in the spring season and this provided year long milk and a yearlong lamb crop, making the flock active all year round.