Synchronization of oestrus in Nubian goats

Abstract In a randomized block design, 34 Nubian goats were allocated for the purpose of studying the efficiency of different hormonal treatments in inducing and synchronizing oestrus. The animals were selected and grouped according to age so that each age group was represented under each group. The control group (A) consisted of four females while the rest of the groups (each consisting of 10 females) were randomly assigned to three different treatments. These treatments included a double Cloprostenol intramuscular injection (125 μg) (treatment B); intravaginal sponges impregnated with progesterone (40 mg) inserted for a 16-day period (treatment C) and treatment C plus an intramuscular injection of pregnant mare serum (300 IU) two days before sponge removal (treatment D). A vasectomized and a spermatic buck was introduced to all groups immediately after termination of each treatment for detection of oestrus. Does were monitored for the time interval from end of treatment to the onset of oestrus, oestrous signs and the duration of oestrus. They were then artificially inseminated at 24 and 48 h following termination of treatments. Those returning to oestrus were handmated. The control group was handmated. Conception rates were determined by non-return rates and by radioimmunoassay (RIA) used to monitor serum progesterone concentration 3–10 weeks after insemination. Late pregnancy was diagnosed by abdominal palpation after Day 90–110. The obtained results indicated that all the employed treatments were capable of inducing and synchronizing oestrus in Sudanese Nubian goats. Treatment B was significantly ( P P P