Recto-vaginal artificial insemination using digital rectal palpation technique in Red Sokoto goat

Abstract

Artificial insemination was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of digital rectal palpation as a new technique of artificial insemination (AI) in Red Sokoto goat. Forty two Red Sokoto goat does were randomly divided into group A (Recto-vaginal DRPAI; n = 14), group B (Vaginal speculum AI; n = 14) and group C (Natural service; n = 14). Semen was collected from two Red Sokoto breeding bucks using artificial vagina, processed and stored at 4ºC. Oestrus was synchronised with prostaglandin F2-alpha, and oestrus detected by apronised bucks and visual observation. Breeding was by artificial insemination for groups A and B while group C bred by natural service. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out using ultrasonography on day 126. Conception rates were 61.5%, 58.3% and 100%, while pregnancy rates were 57.1%, 50.0% and 100% for groups A, B and C, respectively. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between groups A and B. It was concluded that digital rectal palpation technique effectively carried out recto-vaginal artificial insemination with similar and acceptable conception (61.5%) and pregnancy (57.1%) rates to vaginal speculum artificial insemination but lower to natural service in Red Sokoto goat does. However, it is recommended that further studies be carried out with more animal number to verify findings.