Occurrence of Abortions in Goats Reared under Different Farming Systems

Abstract

Background: Abortion is a very common health problem of animals including goats and it causes heavy economic losses to the farmers. The current study was planned to assess the occurrence of abortions in goats reared under different farming systems and association of occurrence of abortions with stage of pregnancy, season and parity of the aborted goats. Methods: The data on caprine abortions from semi-intensive and free range farming systems was compiled and analysed. Occurrence of abortion in the goats reared under field conditions and at organized farms under semi-intensive management system was categorized on the basis of stage of pregnancy, season and parity of aborted goats. The statistical analysis of the abortion data was done by using Chi-Square test. Result: Abortion rates in goats reared at different management systems (semi-intensive and free range systems) differed significantly (p less than 0.01). Occurrence of the abortions was found highest in the field goats. Occurrence of the abortions in the different stages of pregnancy (early, mid and late) in the goats reared at organized farms under semi-intensive management system and field conditions differed significantly (p less than 0.01). Maximum abortions were seen in the later stage of pregnancy. Likewise, occurrence of the abortions in various seasons (rainy, winter and summer) in the goats reared at organized farms under semi-intensive system and field conditions differed significantly (p less than 0.01). Highest occurrence of abortion was noticed in winter season. Occurrence of abortion was also significantly associated with parity of pregnancy in the goats from the organised farms as well as in the field goats. The study concludes that abortion rate in goats are significantly associated (p less than 0.01) with management practices, season, parity and stage of pregnancy.