More research is needed to determine the full extent that hot climates impact the reproductive output of sheep.
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Western Sydney University researchers published a study on the broad ranging physiological effects of summer heatwaves on animals.
Edward Narayan from the School of Health and Science analysed the physiological stress on Merino sheep during an artificial insemination breeding program. Faecal samples and body temperature measurements were collected from 15 super-ovulating donor merino ewes, when ambient temperatures reached up to 39.9 degrees Celsius.
The body temperature of the ewes was a statistically significant factor for reduced embryo survival.
“Ewes that had higher recorded temperatures had a significantly lower percentage of transferable embryos,” he said. “It is assumed that elevated body temperature impedes certain reproductive processes that are crucial for embryo development.”
Dr Narayan said the results suggested a plausible link between heat stress, physiological stress and reduced fertility in Merino ewes.