Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
2074213 Animal Reproduction Science 2009 8 Pages PDF
Abstract

To determine the effect of body condition on the characteristics of the breeding season in female goats from subtropical Mexico, does in either greater- or lesser-body condition (n = 20/group) were monitored for the expression of estrous behavior, ovulation and ovulation rate between June and April. The commencement of estrus and ovulation occurred earlier (P < 0.05) in does in greater than lesser body condition. The cessation of estrus and ovulation was later (P < 0.05) in female goats with greater than those with lesser body condition. Does in greater body condition had more (P < 0.001) normal estrous cycles than those in lesser body condition. As consequence, does from the greater body condition group had fewer short (P < 0.001) or long (P < 0.05) estrous cycles than those of in the lesser body condition group. The ovulation rate was greater (P < 0.01) in the greater (1.9 ± 0.1) than lesser body condition does (1.6 ± 0.1). In conclusion, female goats in lesser body condition have a shorter breeding season, more abnormal estrous cycles, and fewer ovulations than does in greater body condition.

Related Topics
Life Sciences Agricultural and Biological Sciences Animal Science and Zoology
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