Time pattern on parturition sequences in Beetal goats and crosses: comparison between primiparous and multiparous does

Abstract

Peri-parturient behaviors and time budget of parturition sequences were observed in 106 does maintained under confined but undisturbed conditions. Incidence of isolation and intolerance to conspecifics were observed in 80% of does 4–6 h before kidding, whereas intense restlessness occurred in 79% does 1–4 h pre-kidding. Both the primiparous and multiparous does behaved almost in the same way except the manifestation of restlessness which was more intense among primiparous does. Delivery in does while sitting was more frequent than that in standing posture (71% vs. 29%). More than 90% of kids were born head first and with one foreleg preceding the other by 1–3 cm while passing through the birth canal. Parturition duration (from appearance of water bag to complete expulsion of fetus) in first and second kid birth was 20 min and 6 min, respectively. Time gap between first and second birth was 6 min. Does needed 149 min post-birth for complete expulsion of placenta. Time budget of parturition sequences did not vary significantly between primiparous and multiparous does. Hourly frequencies of birth showed that 80% of kidding happened between 06:00–18:00h with a major peak around 16:00h.