Analysis of reproductive traits in selected sheep breeds

The aim of this bachelor's thesis is a literary review and summary of current knowledge of reproduction in selected sheep breeds, namely breeds Romney and Suffolk, definition of the different reproduction indicators and description of the internal and external factors that affect them. Another goal is to make, based on the information gathered, an overall assessment of the reproduction standard of selected sheep breeds of breeders in the Czech Republic. The period assessed is 2010 - 2014, and the monitored reproduction indicators are: the percentage of fertilization, fertility, strength, rearing and also the birthweight of lambs. Furthermore, the thesis describes the basics of reproduction of Romney and Suffolk sheep and the factors affecting reproduction. For the basis of this thesis were used the documents from the sheep and goats year book. Suffolk breed is the most numerous meat breed in the Czech Republic. The assessment shows that the Suffolk breed achieved better results than Romney breed only in the percentage of fertility. In other indicators breed Romney showed better results. The greatest differences were in percentage of fertilization and fertility. At the percentage of intensity, the results were comparable with the exception of year 2014. The percentage of rearing was significantly better in the Romney breed in the years 2011 and 2014. The results of lambs birthweight did not show big differences; the weight of both breeds was around 3,1 to 3,2 kg. Suffolks have been particularly reared for their outstanding meat yield and therefore do not achieve as good results as the Romney breed, which is thanks to its good reproductive and maternal characteristics used in the maternal position. To improve the percentage of fertilization it would be appropriate to eliminate the number of pregnant ewe in the herds. It is also necessary to ensure high quality and sufficient quantity of feed, to ensure proper animal welfare and selecting proven sheep breeding ram for conceiving