Different synchronization techniques in Boer goat does outside the normal breeding season

Abstract

Synchronization techniques outside the normal breeding season were evaluated on 85 Boer goats with intravaginal progestagen sponges, sponges plus prostaglandin, and two injections of prostaglandin, with or without 500 IU PMSG. Oestrous response following the double prostaglandin injection regime was significantly ( P < 0.01) lower than in the intravaginal sponge and sponge plus protaglandin groups (with and without exogenous PMSG). The PMSG led to a higher ( P < 0.01) oestrous response in goats treated with intravaginal sponges only (100.0% vs. 53.3%). Administration of 500 IU PMSG led to a shorter time interval ( P<0.01) from cessation of treatment to the onset of oestrus in the intravaginal sponge and sponge plus prostaglandin groups (40.0 vs. 72.1 hr and 39.3 vs. 71.3hr, respectively). Time interval from treatment to the LH peak was shorter ( P<0.01) in the groups (excluding the double injection prostaglandin groups) receiving 500 IU PMSG, with no significant difference between the two intravaginal sponge treated groups. No significant differences in the time interval between LH peak and onset of the oestrous period was recorded between treatment groups. There was no significant difference in fertility between the intravaginal sponge and sponge plus prostaglandin groups (73.3 vs. 66.7% with PMSG and 53.3 vs. 60.0% without PMSG). Intravaginal sponge and sponge plus prostaglandin techniques (with PMSG) are effective as synchronizing agents outside the breeding season in Boer goat does. The double prostaglandin injection regime on the other hand proved ineffective outside the breeding season.