Testosterone and progesterone levels during different reproductive stages in Jakhrana goats

Abstract

A study was conducted on 18 healthy Jakhrana goats, maintained under semi-intensive management system at ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Mathura (UP). Serum testosterone levels in males and progesterone in females were studied during three reproductive stages (pre-pubertal, pubertal and sexually mature) in 12 goats. In addition, serum progesterone levels were determined during pregnancy and on the day of kidding in 6 does. Blood samples from goats (6 of each sex) at 10–12 months (pre-pubertal), 13–14 months (pubertal) and 15–16 months of age (sexually mature) were collected at fortnightly intervals. Similarly blood samples from six pregnant does were collected at 30, 60, 90, 120 days of pregnancy and on the day of kidding. The mean serum testosterone levels in male goats during the pre-pubertal, pubertal and sexually mature stages were 2.55±0.31, 2.80±0.21 and 4.11±0.14ng/ml, respectively and differed significantly (P 0.05) between stages. Progesterone level remained elevated and almost identical during pregnancy with minor fluctuations at different stages of pregnancy (5.04±0.25, 5.21±0.22, 5.01±0.24 and 4.78±0.14 ng/ml, respectively). Its level then sharply declined on the day of kidding (0.67±0.14 ng/ml). Progesterone level on the day of kidding was significantly lower (P<0.05) as compared to its level during pregnancy. The results of this study will form the basis for management of reproductive processes for further enhancement of productive efficiency of goats.