Publisher: Institute for Animal Husbandry, Belgrade-Zemun UDC 636.37 THE STUDY OF THE OVARIES ' STATE IN LOCAL BULGARIAN EWE’S BREEDS BY REAL-TIME ULTRASONOGRAPHY **

Abstract: The aim of this study was the characterization of the ovaries’ state in local Bulgarian ovine breeds at the moment of ovulation by real-time transrectal ultrasonography. It was observed 32 ewes of Bulgarian local breeds Karakachanska and West-Oldmountainous between 1,5 and 4 years old, housed under closely to their natural conditions. Ovaries were examined ultrasonically after estrus synchronization with the implantation of intravaginal sponges containing 45 mg of Cronolone over 14 days. The effect of age and breed on the variability of the ovary’s size and preovulatory follicle’s size was studied. Key words: ovaries, ovulatory follicles, local sheep breeds, ultraconography Introduction and literature review According to the requirements of Amsterdam Protocol “Animal protection and welfare ” on protecting and providing favourable conditions for animals in their breeding and performing experiments, adopted by the European Community, the ultrasonography is the most suitable method for investigation