Project Number: 1932-21630-004-04
Project Type: Memorandum of Understanding

Start Date: May 21, 2007
End Date: Sep 30, 2009

Objective:
The objective is to determine if Polypay X Blackface yearling ewes will breed "out-of-season" with acceptable conception rates while grazing both typical and silvopastures as compared to their purebred Polypay counterparts.

Approach:
Yearling crossbred Polypay ewes (40 head) will be estrus synchronized either in late May or early June. Upon initiation of estrus, ewes will be exposed to mature blackface rams a minimum of three weeks for breeding purposes. Ewes will be pregnancy checked using real time ultrasound to assess conception rate prior to sale via public auction in late summer to early fall.