Defining the critical windows for impacts of heat stress on sheep reproduction
Heat stress currently reduces lambs born in the Australian sheep flock by ~2.1 million,
projected to rise to 3.3 million under a temperature increase of +3 degrees (PMID: 3845939). Although heat exposure reduces pregnancy rates and lamb birth weight, the critical periods during each reproductive stage when heat has the most impact are unknown, as is individual variation in response to heat. This is essential to optimise use of interventions, such as moving flocks into shaded areas and using heat alleviating supplements. Combining data generation and modelling with in vivo studies of heat impacts on sheep reproduction, this project has the following objectives:
1. Determine when heat exposure (heat waves) have the greatest impact on:
a.Ovulation rate
b.Pregnancy rate
c.Lamb birth weight
2.Determine whether the impact of heat on reproduction are reduced in sheep identified as heat tolerant (lower rise in central body temperature during heat events) or heat susceptible?
This project is supported by an Adelaide University Research Scholarship, available to a domestic or international student. To find out more about this project and access the link to apply, please search for the project on this page https://adelaideuni.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/research/