Answer :
In sheep reproduction, several key processes are involved, both naturally occurring and assisted by human intervention. Let's define each of the processes:
A) Artificial Insemination (AI): This is a fertility treatment method where sperm is collected from a male sheep and then manually inserted into the female reproductive tract. This method is often used to enhance breeding programs and genetic diversity without the need for physical mating.
B) Lambing: This is the process of giving birth to lambs. It's the culmination of a successful pregnancy in sheep and occurs at the end of the gestation period.
C) Synchronization of oestrus: This technique is used to control the reproductive cycles of female sheep, aiming to make sure that many ewes come into estrus (heat) simultaneously, facilitating planned breeding.
D) Conception: This occurs when the male sperm fertilizes the female egg, leading to the formation of an embryo. It's the starting point of a successful pregnancy.
E) Pregnancy: This is the period after conception during which the fertilized egg develops into a lamb inside the ewe. In sheep, pregnancy usually lasts about 5 months.
Here's the correct chronological order of these processes:
C) Synchronization of oestrus - This is done first to ensure all ewes are ready to breed simultaneously.
A) Artificial insemination (AI) - After the ewes are in estrus, AI is performed to fertilize the eggs.
D) Conception - Occurs post-AI when sperm fertilizes the egg.
E) Pregnancy - The fertilized egg develops into a fetus over approximately 5 months.
B) Lambing - The ewe gives birth to one or more lambs, completing the reproductive cycle.
