The effect of estrus synchronization programmes on parturition time and some reproductive characteristics of Saanen goats

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of estrus synchronization programmes on parturition time and some reproductive characteristics of Saanen goats. Estrus of Saanen goats was synchronized as follows: by use of intravaginal sponges containing 30mg flugestone acetate for 11 days following IM injection of 500 IU PMSG (group PP; n=80) or only intravaginal sponges (group P; n=80) and natural estrus (control; C, n=50). Forty-eight hours after removing intravaginal sponges, all goats were introduced to Saanen bucks. Kidding rate and litter size of goats in the PP group were higher than those of goats in the C and P groups (P<.05). Neonatal mortality rate of kids from goats in the PP group was found higher than those of goats in the C and P groups (P<.05). The length of kidding period in goats of group C was longer than goats in the P and PP groups (P<.05). Births showed a unimodal distribution, with maximum parturition at midday and minimum parturition at midnight in all goats. The parturition that occurred during daytime hours in goats of P and PP groups was more than goats in the C group (P<.05). The results of this study may suggest that estrus synchronization shortened the length of the kidding period, concentrated parturition time during daylight hours and increased reproductive performance in Saanen goats.