The Use Of Arachis Hypogaea (Groundnuts) For Estrous Synchronization In West African Dwarf Ewes

ABSTRACT

Two trials were carried out to determine the extent Arachis hypogaea (Groundnuts) can be used to synchronize estrus in West African Dwarf (WAD) ewes. The first trial was carried out in the rainy season while the second trial was carried out in the dry season. The seeds of Arachis hypogaea were washed, salted and dried in an enclosure away from ultra violet rays. In both of the trials, 900g of Valencia variety of Arachis hypogaea were fed raw to each of the  WAD ewes. Subsequently, the L-DOPA content of the seeds was determined using UV visible spectrophotometer for the qualitative analysis and paper chromatography for the quantitative analysis. The result obtained in trial one shows that 46% of the ewes came to estrus within 24 hours while the remaining 54% came to estrus within 48 hours. In the second trial, 5% of the ewes came to estrus within 24 hours while the remaining 95% came to estrus within 48 hours post feeding. Therefore, ,Arachis hypogaea which contains among other things, L-DOPA in high but tolerable doses is effective to synchronize estrus within 48 hours post feeding in WAD ewes with notable signs of estrus which enhances breeding and productivity through artificial insemination (AT) or natural breeding.