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Abstract
The effect of lunar phase on 2724 artificial inseminations (AIs) performed either after natural detection of oestrus (n = 383) or by hormonal treatment (n = 2341) has been analysed. Moon exerted a significant effect on fertility rate (p < 0.001), with a significant interaction with type of oestrus (p < 0.05). The effect on fecundity was significant (p < 0.05), so that the number of lambs obtained per inseminated ewe was higher during the new and the decrescent moons (New moon: 0.80 ± 0.05; Crescent moon: 0.62 ± 0.04; Full moon: 0.65 ± 0.03; Decrescent moon: 0.80 ± 0.02 lambs/inseminated ewe). An interaction (p < 0.05) between lunar phase and type of oestrus was detected, so that the effect of moon on this parameter was different depending on how oestrus was obtained. In conclusion, moon can affect lamb production after AI in sheep through changes in fertility rates throughout its different phases. However, this influence varies depending on the nature of the oestrus presented by ewes before insemination.
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