Comparative Study between Ovine Artificial Insemination and Free Mating in Ouled Djellal Breed

In Algeria, the artificial insemination is of a current application in cattle and is in its beginnings in sheep.To assess the impact of this biotechnology on the control of reproduction in Ouled Djellal breed (OD), we conducted a practice study at the artificial insemination and genetic amelioration center (CNIAAG) in Biskra's department and Bouchebaa's model farm in Constantine's Department.Our study focused on 350 ewes OD aged from 2 to 6 years and divided into two groups:-A: 300 ewes maintained at the farm Bouchebaa, rely on free mating-B: 50 ewes maintained at the CNIAAG - Biskra.Zootechnical performance are lower in-group B (fertility rate = 101% vs 66%, fertility rates = 86.70% vst 64% and prolificacy rate = 116, 54% vs 103%, respectively for free mating vs AI); for the last two parameters, this difference was significant (p <0.02). Concerning the success factors of AI, the statistical analysis revealed no significant difference, at the age (9 months, 3, 4 or 6) or class (yearling or adult) ram used for the seed harvest.In conclusion, we can say that the success rate of AI will never be similar to natural reproduction. Therefore, those farmers continue to show a limited interest for this technique. It should be noted that to date, the success rate recorded at AI sheep centers in Algeria vary from 46 to 76%. However, in free mating it is almost impossible to determine the paternal ancestry of newborns.