Influence of short-term synchronization protocol and fixed timed AI on oestrus synchronization response, oestrus behaviour and pregnancy rate of two breeds of Nigeria indigenous goats

Abstract

The study evaluated the efficacy of short-term progestagen treatment on response to oestrus Synchronisation, oestrus behaviour and pregnancy rate following Artificial Insemination in 30 West African Dwarf (WAD) and 30 Red Sokoto (RS) indigenous goats. Each Breed was kept separately, the protocol consisted of a 9-day term protocol: on Day 0, all animals received 1ml of Cyclase along with insertion of a progesterone device (CIDR) into the anterior portion of the vagina with an applicator, 2ml of Equine chorionic Gonadotrophin (eCG) was administered concurrently with CIDR removal on Day 6, Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) was done 52 hrs, after CIDR removal. All does were tested for pregnancy 30 days post AI using progesterone hormone measurement. Oestrus was monitored every 4 h after CIDR removal for 72 h. Results showed; 100% device retention rate for both breeds, oestrus response was higher (P<0.05) in WAD compared to RS (100% vs 83.3%) respectively, interval to onset of oestrus was shorter (P<0.05) in WAD than RS (24±0.25 h vs 31±0.32 h), Duration of oestrus was longer (P<0.05) in WAD than RS (44±0.4 h vs 36±0.6 h) and pregnancy rate was higher (P<0.05) in WAD than RS (83.3% vs 50%). Various oestrus behaviour evaluated recorded higher intensity for WAD than RS except for reduced feed intake. It is concluded that short-term synchronization protocol can be used as an alternative to long-term treatments in enhancing reproductive performance of Nigeria indigenous goats.