Evaluation of Two Estrus Synchronization Protocols on Estrus Response, Conception, and the Kidding Rate during Lower Breeding Season for Abergele Goat in Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Reproductive technologies are applied to accelerate genetic progress and enhance the reproductive performance of various livestock species. The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of pregnant mare serum gonadotropins (PMSGs) and prostaglandin (PGF2α) hormones on the oestrus response, conception rate, and kidding rate during the lower breeding season of the Abergele goat breed. A total of 77 Abergele does (25 for PMSG and 52 for PGF2α protocols) were used for the experiment. Experimental animals were allowed to graze (does) for approximately 8 hours and (bucks) for approximately 4 hours, followed by supplementation with a mixture of 300 to 350 g cowpea hay and wheat bran per day. For PMSG-treated does, a vaginal sponge impregnated with progesterone hormone was inserted and stayed for 12 days. After the removal of the vaginal sponge, 2 ml (400 IU) of PMSG hormone was injected for 25 does and allowed to be mated by selected bucks after 48 hours. While a single injection of PGF2α hormone was administered for 52 does and allowed for mating after 48 hours of hormone administration. The PMSG and PGF2α protocols resulted in estrus responses of 96% and 86.5%, respectively. The conception and kidding rates of does administered with the PGF2α protocol were better, with values of 57.7% and 55.8%, respectively. From the result, it was concluded that Abergele does were better responsive to both prostaglandins and gonadotropin-based protocols in inducing estrus, which can be used as an alternative approach for the improvement of the reproductive performance of goats. However, for the reason of better conception efficiency, kidding rate, and ease of application, the PGF2α protocol was found to be better responsive and effective for synchronizing Abergele does during the lower breeding season.