Effects of suckling mode on endocrine control of reproductive activity resumption in Texel ewes lambing in July or November

To study the effects of the overlapping of seasonal and lactation anestrus and the influence of the suckling mode on the resumption of reproductive activity in Texel ewes, two experiments were carried out after the July and November lambings. The frequency and the duration of suckling decreased with the age of the lambs, and the suckling intensity in the lambs that were allowed to suck unrestrictedly was three times higher than in lambs restricted to sucking three times a day. The overlapping of seasonal anestrus and lactation delayed the resumption of ovarian and estrus activity, but no difference was observed between dams suckling single lambs and twins. The resumption of ovarian and estrus activity was much earlier after the November lambing than after the July lambing. Weaning after the November lambing shortened the interval between parturition to first estrus but not to the first luteal function. The reduction of suckling intensity by suckling management had no effect on the resumption of ovarian and estrus activity. In early postpartum, suckling inhibited the luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatile secretion and consequently the first LH discharge. However, the earlier restoration of gonadotropin stimulation in dry ewes was not immediately followed by ovarian activity. The suckling inhibition may be due to a temporary disturbance in hormonal balance, the rise in prolactin (PRL) and cortisol secretions. Plasma estradiol 17β (E2) concentrations were higher in dry than in suckling ewes in early postpartum. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion was not involved in the process of delaying the resumption of reproductive activity after lambing.