Cervical Insemination with Frozen Thawed Semen in Goats at Different Breeding Age

Abstract

Artificial insemination (AI) in goat is currently limited by the poor fertility obtained following the cervical insemination with frozen-thawed semen. The objective of the present study was to determine the efficiency of frozen semen use in two different breeding ages at Saanen goats. The effects of synchronization and fertility rates were also examined. Ninety-eight (98) Saanen goats were divided into two groups: Group-1 = 49 (7-months-old) and Group-2 = 49 (19-month- old) does. Estrus was synchronized by impregnated intravaginal sponges (30 mg; fluogestone acetate , FGA), and i.m. administration of 50 µg of cloprostenol (PGF2α) and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG, 500 IU), at 48 h before sponge removal. Cervical fixed time AI was carried out with frozen semen 43 h after removal of the sponges during the breeding season. Estrus was detected by teaser buck. The occurrence of estrus in Group-1 and Group-2 were 71.4%, 63.3%, respectively (p>0.05). Sixty-six (66) goats were inseminated with frozen ‐ thawed semen. The pregnancy rate was determined by abdominal scanning. Pregnancy rates were (Group-1: 31.4%, Group-2: 32.3%) not differed significantly between age groups (p>0.05). Besides, higher lambing rates were obtained in Group-1 (145.5%) than in Group-2 (90.0%) due to increased prolificacy and reduced embryonic failure. In conclusion, Saanen goats in younger ages, starting from the 7 months old age could be included in the breeding programs and could provide several benefits such as higher percentages of synchronization success and prolificacy.