Evaluation of some reproductive parameters of Tsurcana sheep crossed with Blanc du Massif Central rams

The European market demands a better conformation in sheep carcass (class U or R). This carcass quality cannot be achieved in local Romanian breed - Tsurcana and Tsigaia - without a crossing with a specialized meat breed. The study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the fertility rate, in order to compare some reproductive parameters between the Tsurcana breed (Tsurcana rams x Tsurcana ewes) and the Blanc du Massif Central rams crossed with Tsurcana ewes. The research was conducted on a selected flock of 100 Tsurcana sheep that were divided in two batches: 50 ewes were mated with Tsurcana rams and 50 ewes were mated with 2 young Blanc du Massif Central rams, recently imported from France. The sheep included in the study were hormonal synchronized with progesterone and eCG (Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin). After mating the pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound examination at 55 and 130 days. The conceiving, the fecundity and prolificacy rate were assessed. The results were similar between the two batches concerning the conceiving, prolificacy and fecundity rate (Tsurcana rams x Tsurcana Ewes and Blanc du Massif Central rams and Tsurcana ewes).