Management of Reproduction: Sheep

Several key points are the basis of a sound flock reproduction health management program. First, sheep are short-day polyestrus breeders (ie, estrus occurs in response to shortening day length). Second, ovulatory season tends to be in fall and winter; anovulatory season during late winter, spring and early summer; the transition season occurs in the late summer months. Finally, there is considerable breed-to-breed variation in prolificacy and length of the ovulatory season.