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Copyright of Indonesian Journal of Veterinary Science / Jurnal Kedokteran Hewan is the property of Universitas Syiah Kuala, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study evaluated the effect of breed and follicular status of Boer and indigenous goats on response to superovulation and embryo yield. The oestrous cycles were synchronized with progestagen for nine days and superovulated with porcine follicle-stimulating hormone. Does were cervically inseminated and embryos were surgically flushed on day six following artificial insemination. The oestrous activity, ovarian response, embryo yield and quality, did not differ significantly between breeds. The number and size of follicles at the onset of superovulation treatment and during oestrus did not differ significantly between breeds. The follicles 2-3 mm, 4-5 mm and total number of follicles at the onset of superovulation treatment were positively correlated with the number of structures, embryos and transferrable embryos recovered. The number of medium follicles (4−5 mm) at the beginning of superovulation treatment increased the number of transferable embryos. The total number of follicles >6 mm at the onset of superovulation was positively correlated to the number of unfertilized ova. Although limited number of animals was used, the results suggest that breed has limited effect on superovulation response. Instead, the quality and yield of embryos are dependent on number and size of follicles present at the beginning of a superovulation treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of pre and/or postnatal supplementation of a dry whole cell algae (DHA-Gold) to goat kids, on in vitro methane (CH4) production, animal growth, and rumen morphology at the age of 6 mo. Furthermore, the in vitro retreatment effect of DHA-Gold was evaluated. Twenty pregnant Saanen goats giving birth to 2 male kids were used. Half of these does were supplemented (D+) with 18.2 g/d of DHA-Gold in the last 3 wk of pregnancy, whereas the other half was not (D-). After kidding, one goat kid per doe in both groups was supplemented daily with 0.28 g/kg of body weight of DHA-Gold (k+) until 12 wk, whereas the other goat kids were untreated (k-). This resulted in 4 experimental groups D+k+, D+k-, D-k+, and D-k-. In vitro incubations were performed at the ages of 4 wk, 11 wk, and 6 mo. At the age of 6 mo, goat kids were euthanized and additional incubations were performed supplementing 4 doses of DHA-Gold (0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 mg/mL). Additionally, rumen tissue of the atrium ruminis, ventral rumen, and dorsal blind sac were collected to assess rumen morphology. Rumen inocula of 4-wk-old goat kids supplemented D+ showed lower (P < 0.05) in vitro CH4 production, however, this was mainly due to a reduction in the overall fermentation, while CH4 expressed relatively to total volatile fatty acids (VFA) was higher when goat kids were treated D+ or k+. The detrimental D+ effect on VFA production diminished at 11 wk old but remained a tendency (0.05 < P < 0.1). As for 4 wk D+ as well as k+ supplementation of DHA-Gold stimulated rather than inhibited in vitro CH4 production expressed relative to total VFA. Supplementation of DHA-Gold either D+ or k+ decreased density, width, and surface area of the ruminal papillae. However, no effect on animal growth was observed. Moreover, detrimental effects of D+ or k+ treatment on VFA production or stimulation of relative CH4 production were no longer observed at 6 mo old. Nevertheless, direct exposure of DHA-Gold to 6-mo-old inoculum linearly (P < 0.05) decreased CH4 and VFA production, which tended (P = 0.06) to be greater when using D-rumen inoculum. Accordingly, neither D+ nor k+ DHA-Gold supplementation showed potential for reduction of rumen methanogenesis. Furthermore, this early life intervention could represent some risk for impaired rumen papillae development, which, however, did not impair animal performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted on 82 ovaries were collected from 41 slaughter local Iraqi goats in the Al-Shula abattoirs/Baghdad province, their ages vary from 3 to 5 years. Oocytes collected by slicing ovary, Only grade A and grade B (oocytes surrounded by cumulus cells and homologs cytoplasm) where cultured in culture media, then oocytes were divided in 3 groups, the 1st group (control group) incubated by using Tissue culture medium 199 (TCM-199) only, the 2nd group 'alcoholic extract of Licorice added to culture media (TCM-199) at a concentration of 25μg/ml, the 3rd group culture media (TCM-199) was supplemented with an alcoholic extract of licorice at a concentration of 50μg/ml. Results of the current study revealed that the significant different in the mature oocytes (p<0.1) by using 50μg/ml of Licorice extract in comparative with concentration 25μg/ml and control group, Also there was significant different in the fertilization oocytes (p<0.1) by using 50μg/ml of Licorice extract in comparative with concentration 25μg/ml and the control group. They attributed these results to the constituents of Licorice extract such as vitamins, minerals, estrogenic, anti-estrogenic substance, trace element, polysaccharide and antioxidant compounds which affect successfully maturation and fertilized of oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although semen analysis is routinely used to evaluate the male reproductive potential in the canine species, only a few authors have attempted to relate semen characteristics to donor traits, such as age or weight, and fertility. This study evaluated the effects of dogs' age (young: 0–24 months, adult: 25–84 months, old: >84 months), size (small: <15 kg, medium: 16–40 kg, large: >40 kg) and reason for semen collection (evaluation, artificial insemination, cryopreservation or research purposes) on the seminal characteristics and related the main seminal characteristics with fresh AI results. Overall, 251 semen examinations were performed from 140 dogs presented between 2000 and 2015 at the University of Pisa Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Conventional semen parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration and total number, subjective motility and sperm morphology) were evaluated. Overall, 227 (90.4%) samples contained spermatozoa. Azoospermic samples resulted from complete (n = 13, 9 dogs), or incomplete ejaculations (n = 11, 8 dogs), based on seminal alkaline phosphatase concentration and/or ancillary examinations. Reason for semen collection had a significant effect on semen volume, sperm total number and sperm concentration. The proportion of normal spermatozoa was lower in dogs presented for semen evaluation (P < 0.05). Dog size affected ejaculate volume and total sperm number, which was lower in small dogs compared to medium (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) and large-sized dogs (P < 0.01). Age had no influence on volume, sperm number or motility. The proportion of normal spermatozoa was higher in young animals than in old ones (P < 0.05). There was a significantly higher proportion of midpiece defects in old dogs compared to young ones (P < 0.01). Total sperm number, motility and proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa in the semen used in AIs resulting in a pregnancy were 627.6 × 10 6 , 83.9% and 64.9%, respectively, all significantly higher than in the unsuccessful AIs, where they were 389.4 × 10 6 , 66.5% and 42% (P < 0.05). In conclusion, age, size and reason for semen collection may affect main sperm parameters and must be taken into consideration during the interpretation of a routine semen evaluation. In turn, altered semen parameters may affect fertility after artificial insemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to predict the number of days to kidding in dairy goats by ultrasonographic measurement of three consecutive ribs and intercostal spaces or trunk diameter of fetuses. Two groups of primiparous and multiparous goats were examined by transabdominal ultrasonography. Actual kidding date was used to compute the true number of days to kidding relative to the ultrasound examination day. Linear regression models were built to predict days to kidding based on fetal measurements, parity, and number of kids. The model using the width of three consecutive ribs and intercostal spaces (n = 29 goats) showed a curvilinear relationship between days to kidding and rib distance ( R 2  = 0.60; P  < 0.01). The trunk diameter model (n = 135 goats) showed a curvilinear relationship between days to kidding and trunk diameter with an effect of parity ( R 2  = 0.81; P  < 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive impact of a short-term protein supplementation on a long interval prostaglandin-based protocol (two PG injections 15 d apart; PG15) for timed artificial insemination in sheep. During the breeding season, 437 multiparous Merino ewes grazing native pastures (forage allowance of 6 kg of dry matter/100 kg of live weight; crude protein: 10.8%, metabolic energy: 2.1 Mcal/kg of dry matter) were selected. Ewes were allocated, according to body condition score (3.2 ± 0.2) and body weight (40.6 ± 4.9 kg, mean ± SD), to a 2 × 2 factorial design: type of estrus –spontaneous estrus (SE) or induced with PG15 (PG15)–, and supplementation (yes or no) before insemination (+FF; soybean meal at Days −10 to −3; crude protein: 51.9%, metabolic energy: 2.8 Mcal/kg of dry matter; average consumption 0.9% live weight/ewe/day of dry matter). All ewes were cervically artificial inseminated (Day −2 to −3 in SE ewes at estrus detection; Day 0 = timed artificial insemination in PG15 ewes). Ovulation rate on Day 7, non-return to service on Day 23, conception, fertility, prolificacy and fecundity on Day 60 were evaluated. Ovulation rate (1.17 ± 0.40 vs. 1.06 ± 0.25), non-return to service at Day 23 (81.7 vs. 64.2%), conception (78.8 vs. 61.5%), fertility (75.2 vs. 61.5%) and fecundity (0.77 vs. 0.62) were higher in ewes from SE than PG15 group (P < 0.05). However, no differences were observed in prolificacy (1.02 ± 0.16 vs. 1.01 ± 0,12) between groups (P > 0.05). Protein supplementation increased ovulation rate (1.30 ± 0.45 vs. 1.17 ± 0.40), prolificacy (1.18 ± 0.39 vs. 1.02 ± 0.16) and fecundity (0.94 vs. 0.77%; P < 0.05), but not non-return to service on Day 23 (83.8 vs. 81.7%), conception (82.9 vs. 78.8%) or fertility (79.1 vs. 75.2%; P > 0.05) in SE group. The supplement feed to PG15 ewes increased ovulation rate (1.35 ± 0.45 vs. 1.06 ± 0.25), prolificacy (1.25 ± 0.43 vs. 1.01 ± 0.12) and fecundity (0.79 vs. 0.62%; P < 0.05) to levels comparable to SE + FF ewes (P > 0.05). The magnitude of the increase in ovulation rate in PG15 was greater than in the SE group (27 vs. 11%; P < 0.05). However, non-return to service on Day 23 (65.1 vs. 64.2%), conception (63.3 vs 61.5%), and fertility rate (63.3 vs. 61.5%; P < 0.05) remained similar in PG15 supplemented or not supplemented ewes. In conclusion, a short-term protein supplementation before cervical time artificial insemination improved the reproductive performance of ewes synchronized with the PG15 protocol to levels comparable to the SE group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of organic copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) supplementation on fertilizing potential of frozen goat semen was investigated through sperm-zona pellucida binding test and cleavage rate. In total, 478 oocytes were matured and in vitro fertilization was carried out in the presence of frozen semen from goats that had been given supplements of organic Zn or Cu in different concentrations. The results showed significant differences between trace mineral treated (T5: 26.83 ± 1.23, T6: 22.06 ± 1.98, T7: 22.85 ± 1.20) and control (14.87 ± 1.15) groups in terms of relative number of sperm cells bound to the zona pellucida of in vitro mature goat oocytes. The observed cleavage rates (%) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in treatment group (T3: 30 ± 7.07, T7: 40 ± 10.8, T10: 30 ± 5.4) as compared to control group (18 ± 3.73). These differences demonstrated the influence of trace minerals, Zn and Cu on the cleavage rate/sperm-zona pellucida binding capacity and the fertility related properties in goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assam Hill goat (AHG) is an important goat germplasm found in Assam and its adjoining areas of India. The study was designed with an objective to study the semen characteristics and freezability of AHG buck semen using Tris -Egg yolk-Citrate-Fructose diluent. The mean values of fresh semen characteristics in AHG bucks viz., ejaculate volume (ml), initial sperm motility (%), sperm concentration (x106/ml), live sperm (%), sperm abnormality (%), HOST-reacted sperm (%) and intact acrosome (%) recorded were 0.39 ± 0.01, 77.97 ± 0.73, 3201.00 ± 143.78, 83.02 ± 0.65, 7.66 ± 0.73, 66.95 ± 0.74 and 93.34 ± 0.51, respectively. Mean values for post-thaw semen characteristics i.e., sperm motility (%), live sperm (%), HOST-reacted sperm (%) and intact acrosome (%) were 55.39 ± 0.97, 71.01 ± 0.78, 54.77 ± 0.55 and 82.16 ± 0.43, respectively. It can be concluded that AHG bucks donate acceptable quality of semen which can be frozen successfully in Tris-Egg yolk-Citrate-Fructose diluents for using in Artificial Insemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was performed to determine the effect of PGF2a and GnRH injections in different time intervals on fertility in Hair goats during breeding season. Totally, 80 primiparous Hair goats were divided into four groups (n=20 in each) according to the body condition scores of the animals. The animals in groups were treated as follows; first group (Ovsynch), GnRH on day 0, PGF2a on day 7 and GnRH on day 9; second group (2PG-G), PGF2a on day 0, PGF2a on day 7 and GnRH on day 9; third group (PG-G), PGF2a on day 7 and GnRH on day 9; fourth group (G), GnRH on day 9. Bucks were included into the groups on day 10-14 and insemination was performed during standing heat. Blood samples were collected to determine possible embryonic losses on day 21 for further analysis of serum progesterone concentrations. Transabdominal ultrasonography was performed to detect pregnancy on day 40-45. It was determined that in Ovsynch, 2PG-G, PG-G and G groups, estrous rate was 100%, 95%, 95% and 85%; pregnancy rate was 85%, 95%, 95% and 85%; kidding rate was 100%, 78.9%, 94.7% and 88.2%; twinning rate was 41.2%, 40%, 22.2%, 20%; litter size was 1.41, 1.40, 1.22, 1.20, respectively. However, these parameters did not show any significant difference between groups (P> 0.05). In conclusion, it is suggested that all treatment procedures may be used for estrous synchronization in Hair goats during breeding season due to the satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was that to evaluate the differences regarding the milk quantity and the biochemical composition of milk between primiparous goats of Carpathian breed and F1 hybrids of Alpin x Carpathian and Saanen x Carpathian, bred and exploited in the same conditions. The F1 hybrid females of Alpine x Carpathian and Saanen x Carpathian were obtained by artificial insemination of a lot of females of Carpathian breed with seminal material provided from he-goats of Alpine and Saanen pure breed. After weaning, the goats were milked 2 times a day, for 5 months. The control of milk production was done monthly. It was individually weighed the quantity of milked milk in the morning and in the evening. Also, there were taken individual samples of milk for the qualitative analysis. The bio-chemical parameters (fat, protein, lactose) were analysed by ultrasonic method at a Lactoscan analyser standardized for milk. The results shows that the average amount of milked milk of hybrids is significantly increased (p<0.05) compared to the Carpathian breed (2031g, 2033g, vs 1145g). The proportion of fat is significantly higher (p<0.05) at both categories of half-bred besides Carpathians (3.74%, 3.84%, vs 3.69%). In conclusion, the crossbreeding of the Carpathian breed with specialized breeds for the milk production leads to an increase of the productive potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of quercetin as a non-enzymatic antioxidant in combination with glycerol or Dimethylacetamide (DMA), on freezability of goat semen. Ejaculates from four healthy mature Mahabadi goats were collected using an artificial vagina. After primary processing, semen was pooled and extended by egg yolk based extender supplemented with different concentrations of quercetin (10 or 20 μM) along with 5% glycerol or DMA. The extended semen was frozen and sperm motility parameters, viability, abnormality, membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation were assessed after thawing. Results showed that sperm viability, total motility, progressive motility, straightness (STR) and linearity (LIN) were higher (P < 0.05), and abnormality percentage and MDA concentration were lower (P < 0.05) in extender containing DMA. Similarly, higher (P < 0.05) total motility, progressive motility, viability and membrane integrity along with lower (P < 0.05) MDA level were noted in Q10 group. The lowest (P < 0.05) MDA level was observed in DMA extender containing moderate level of quercetin (Q10D). Also the STR was higher (P < 0.05) in Q10D compared to Q10G and Q20G groups. In conclusion, supplementation of extender with 10 μM quercetin in combination with DMA improves the goat sperm motion kinetics and suppresses lipid peroxidation after freezing and thawing. Furthermore, DMA is more effective cryoprotectant for the freezing of goat sperm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total number of 1092 artificial inseminations (AIs) performed from March to May were documented over four consecutive years on 10 Payoya goat farms (36° N) and 19,392 AIs on 102 Rasa Aragonesa sheep farms (41° N) over 10 years. Mean, maximum, and minimum ambient temperatures, mean relative humidity, mean solar radiation, and total rainfall on each insemination day were recorded. Overall, fertility rates were 58 % in goats and 45 % in sheep. The fertility rates of the highest and lowest deciles of each of the meteorological variables indicated that temperature and rainfall had a significant effect on fertility in goats. Specifically, inseminations that were performed when mean (68 %), maximum (68 %), and minimum (66 %) temperatures were in the highest decile, and rainfall was in the lowest decile (59 %), had a significantly ( P < 0.0001) higher proportion of does that became pregnant than did the ewes in the lowest decile (56, 54, 58, and 49 %, respectively). In sheep, the fertility rates of the highest decile of mean (62 %), maximum (62 %), and minimum (52 %) temperature, RH (52 %), THI (53 %), and rainfall (45 %) were significantly higher ( P < 0.0001) than were the fertility rates among ewes in the lowest decile (46, 45, 45, 45, 46, and 43 %, respectively). In conclusion, weather was related to fertility in small ruminants after AI in spring. It remains to be determined whether scheduling the dates of insemination based on forecasted temperatures can improve the success of AI in goats and sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High reproductive rates are necessary in order to increase the productivity of goat operations. Progesterone and its analogues are widely used in other species to control the reproductive system to facilitate synchronized births, induce fertile estrus or to facilitate the use of assisted reproductive techniques with the goal of increasing productivity of livestock. Progesterone impregnated controlled internal drug releasing (CIDR) devices are approved for delivery of the natural hormone progesterone to synchronize and induce fertile estrus in sheep. A few studies have reported a high estrous response and pregnancy rates when CIDRs are used to induce estrus in goats. However, significant variation exists in the duration of treatment (5-16 days) and in the use of exogenous gonadotropins as part of the treatment protocol. As gonadotropins are not currently approved for commercial use in small ruminants in the USA, studies are needed to determine the necessity for exogenous gonadotropins and whether they can be replaced by enhancing endogenous secretion through photoperiodic manipulation of the doe and \ or increase stimulation through the 'buck-effect'. Future studies must not only evaluate efficacy, but should consider the economic feasibility of using CIDRs in commercial production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents: To assess the effect of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition on the efficiency of the fixed‐time artificial insemination (TAI), 69 goats were divided randomly into two groups: enalapril (n = 35) and control (n = 34). In the experiment, all animals underwent the protocol of fixed‐time artificial insemination for 12 days. Enalapril group received enalapril maleate dissolved in saline (Enalapril, Lab Teuto Ltda) subcutaneously at the following doses: 0.2 mg/kg/day in D0‐D2; 0.3 mg/kg/day in D3‐D6 and 0.4 mg/kg/day in D7‐D11. The control group received the corresponding volume of 0.9% saline solution. We performed a single insemination 36 hr after sponge removal using frozen semen from two adult male goats with recognized fertility. The ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis was 30 days after the artificial insemination (AI). There was significant increase in pregnancy rates and twinning as well as a decrease in foetal loss in animals receiving enalapril (p < .01). The use of ACE inhibitors during the TAI protocol was shown to be a promising alternative to increase the efficiency of such reproductive biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciência Animal Brasileira is the property of Universidade Federal de Goias, Escola de Veterinaria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Contents Successful sex-sorting of goat spermatozoa and subsequent birth of pre-sexed kids have yet to be reported. As such, a series of experiments were conducted to develop protocols for sperm-sorting (using a modified flow cytometer, MoFlo SX®) and cryopreservation of goat spermatozoa. Saanen goat spermatozoa (n = 2 males) were (i) collected into Salamon's or Tris catch media post-sorting and (ii) frozen in Tris-citrate-glucose media supplemented with 5, 10 or 20% egg yolk in (iii) 0.25 ml pellets on dry ice or 0.25 ml straws in a controlled-rate freezer. Post-sort and post-thaw sperm quality were assessed by motility ( CASA), viability and acrosome integrity ( PI/ FITC- PNA). Sex-sorted goat spermatozoa frozen in pellets displayed significantly higher post-thaw motility and viability than spermatozoa frozen in straws. Catch media and differing egg yolk concentration had no effect on the sperm parameters tested. The in vitro and in vivo fertility of sex-sorted goat spermatozoa produced with this optimum protocol were then tested by means of a heterologous ova binding assay and intrauterine artificial insemination of Saanen goat does, respectively. Sex-sorted goat spermatozoa bound to sheep ova zona pellucidae in similar numbers (p > 0.05) to non-sorted goat spermatozoa, non-sorted ram spermatozoa and sex-sorted ram spermatozoa. Following intrauterine artificial insemination with sex-sorted spermatozoa, 38% (5/13) of does kidded with 83% (3/5) of kids being of the expected sex. Does inseminated with non-sorted spermatozoa achieved a 50% (3/6) kidding rate and a sex ratio of 3 : 1 (F : M). This study demonstrates for the first time that goat spermatozoa can be sex-sorted by flow cytometry, successfully frozen and used to produce pre-sexed kids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Artificial insemination has an important role in goat breeding. Semen cryopreservation could provide genetic material from a small number of superior sires to a large number of females. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on sperm parameters following the freeze–thaw process. Semen samples diluted with Tris-based extender containing various concentrations of BSA (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20mg/mL), aspirated into 0.25mL straws, and equilibrated at 5°C for 2h. After equilibration, the straws were frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor and plunged into liquid nitrogen for storage. Frozen straws were thawed individually for 30s in a water bath (37°C) for microscopic evaluation. Sperm parameters in terms of motility and progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity and capacitation status, were assessed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity were also evaluated after freeze–thaw process. Freezing extenders supplemented with 10 or 15mg/mL of BSA had higher sperm motility, progressive motility and viability (p <0.05) following the freeze–thaw process. In biochemical assays, the application of 10 or 15mg/mL of BSA produced the lowest level of MDA, compared to the control group (p <0.01). It is concluded that inclusion of 10 or 15mg/mL BSA are beneficial additives for freezing Mahabadi goat spermatozoa in Tris–egg yolk diluent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) and embryo transfer (ET) were used to produce cross-bred blackcolored goat. In Experiment 1, LAI with frozen-thawed semen of black buck (Australian Melaan) was performed in 75% Saanen cross-bred does (white color, n = 70). The total numbers of 68 kids were born from 50 does. The skin colors of kids born were black (10.29%), white (39.71%) and other colors (50%). In Experiment 2, two cross-breeding programs were tested including program I: frozen semen of Australian Melaan inseminated to Black Bengal female (n = 7) and program II: frozen semen of Black Bengal inseminated to 50% Australian Melaan (n = 7). For embryo transfer program, the donors were superovulated and inseminated through laparoscopy with frozen semen at 21 hours after estrus. Thirty embryos at 4-8 cell stages (day 3) were surgically collected and transferred into 30 recipients (75% Saanen cross-breed) at approximately 60 hours following LAI. Pregnancy rates were 30%. Nine kids born from both programs were black in color with 2.56±0.95 kg birth weight. It is concluded that laparoscopic insemination and embryo transfer can be successfully combined to produce and sustain the genetic potential encoding the black colored skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effects of the timing and duration of eruption of the first permanent incisors, live weight, sex and other factors on contemporaneous live weight gain in Angora goats. Design Goats were previously part of a pen study on the effects of energy intake of Angora does during pregnancy and lactation on kid development. The design was 3 levels of nutrition in mid-pregnancy by 2 levels of postnatal nutrition in 17 randomised blocks. Methods Artificial insemination, ultrasound examination and feeding does in pens enabled accurate conduct of the study. After weaning, goats were grazed in sex groups. Live weight change between 14 and 20 months of age was related to deciduous first incisor loss and permanent first incisor development and other attributes assessed before the study. Results Live weight change was related to the elapsed time for first permanent incisors to commence eruption and to the length of time for first permanent incisors to erupt. This response was affected by sex. Over summer and autumn, entire males with short eruption intervals gained 2-3 kg more than entire males with long eruption intervals. Females that reached first permanent incisor eruption by mid-summer had a live weight gain of 3 kg more than those that reached the same development 3 months later. Conclusions Live weight change in yearling Angora goats was associated with the process of first permanent incisor eruption. In females, live weight gain was greater when first permanent incisor eruption was earlier. In males, live weight gain was greater when first permanent incisor eruption was faster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to compare overall pregnancy success achieved using a combined ovulation synchronization-timed artificial insemination (NCSynch-TAI) protocol with that obtained using estrus synchronization and artificial insemination (AI). Multiparous Boer and Boer-cross does (n =132) were randomly assigned within age (year 1) or parity (years 2 and 3) to one of two treatments. Control does received 15mg prostaglandin F (PGF; Lutalyse®) on days 1 and 10 of treatment. Estrus onset was checked twice daily with separately penned, intact bucks (year 1) or a vasectomized buck penned with the does (years 2 and 3). Control does were bred by AI 12h after estrus onset using frozen semen. NCSynch-TAI does received 15mg PGF on day 1 of treatment. Does received 50μg GnRH (Cystorelin®) on day 8, and 15mg PGF was given on day 15. On day 18, NCSynch-TAI does were appointment bred using frozen semen and received 50μg GnRH at breeding. Pregnancy status was determined using transabdominal ultrasonagraphy with kidding rates also recorded. In year 1, 13 of 15 control does (87%) were detected in estrus with 8 pregnant to AI for an overall pregnancy rate of 53%. For NCSynch-TAI, 15 does were bred and 11 (73%) became pregnant. In year 2, 24 of 26 controls (92%) were detected in estrus with 19 pregnant to AI (73% overall pregnancy rate). For NCSynch-TAI, 26 does were bred and 20 (77%) became pregnant. In year 3, 21 of 25 controls (84%) were detected in estrus with 8 pregnant to AI (32% overall pregnancy rate). For NCSynch-TAI, 25 does were bred and 14 (56%) became pregnant. Across all years, the overall pregnancy rate for NCSynch-TAI does (45/66, 68%) did not differ (P =0.075) compared to controls (35/66; 53%). Kidding rates for the two treatments (68% vs. 51%, respectively) also did not differ (P =0.075). In summary, pregnancy success following the use of NCSynch-TAI was comparable to that obtained when does were bred based on detection of estrus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of the progestagen containing intravaginal sponges used for 6 or 12 days at timed artificial insemination (TAI) in Hair Goats during the transition period, the effect of GnRH administrations at the time of TAI on fertility was also investigated. In this study 104 lactating hair goats aged between 2-5 years old minimally primiparous was used as animal materials. All of the goats received 30 mg fluorogestone acetate (FGA) impregnated vaginal sponges. The sponges were inserted into vagina for 6 days in the short-term (ST, n=52) group also for 12 days in the long-term (LT, n=52) group. The goats received 400 IU PMSG and 0.075 mg of cloprostenol at the time of sponge removal. The goats in both the ST and LT groups timed artificially inseminated 48 h after sponge withdrawal with fresh cooled semen. At the time of artificial insemination, the subgroups ST1 (n=24) and LT1 (n=22) were maintained as controls, the subgroups ST2 (n=24) and LT2 (n=23) received 5 mcg of buserelin acetate. Pregnancy and twinning rates of the ST1, ST2, LT1 and LT2 groups were 37.5%, 41.6%, 40.9%, 47.8% and 22%, 30%, 11%, 18%, respectively. The litter sizes were 122%, 130%,111% and 118% in the ST1, ST2, LT1 and LT2 groups, respectively. The parturition rates were 100% in all treatment groups. Pregnancy rates, twinning rates and litter sizes were not statistically different among the groups (P>0.05). The results of this study indicated that, a TAI protocol without detection estrus seems to be a suitable administration for short and long progesterone sponges aplications in lactating hair goats during the transition period. In addition, progesteron and AI without estrus detection procedure may be useful alternative to traditional synchronization program using progesteron and AI after estrus detection. Also, GnRH addition to progesterone sponges did not improve reproductive paramaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of primiparous and multiparous Saanen goats after intrauterine laparoscopic artificial insemination with frozen semen. Twenty-four Saanen goats, divided in 2 groups: group 1 consisted of 11 primiparous goats and group 2 consisted of 13 multiparous goats. Estrus was synchronized by 20 mg fluorogestone acetate (FGA)-impregnated intravaginal sponges and the IM administration of 125 mg of cloprostenol (PGF2α) and eCG (400 IU), 48 h before sponge removal. Intrauterine fixed time artificial insemination (AI) was carried out 55 h after removal of the FGA sponges. Results of the present study indicate that primiparous Saanen goats exhibited a higher pregnancy rate than multiparous goats. However, pregnancy and conception rate did not differ significantly between primiparous and multiparous goats (66% and 53%; P > 0.05). In conclusion, the technique of laparoscopic intrauterine insemination in multiparous and primiparous goats is used successfully under rural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many goat artificial insemination (AI) centers in Spain have adopted new measures to control contagious agalactia (CA). To avoid the introduction of male goats carrying mycoplasma organisms subclinically in their external ear canal (auricular carriers) in these centers, two ear swabs and a blood sample are obtained from all candidate animals for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), culture (swabs) and serologic tests to detect the presence of mycoplasmas. In addition, the semen produced at these centers is routinely cultured and PCR tested also to detect the presence of mycoplasmas. One y after the introduction of this program, we tested 48 ear swabs and 24 blood samples from 24 candidates for admission to these AI Centers. Three of these ear swab samples (3/48, 6.25%) scored positive for the presence of mycoplasmas; Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma) was detected in two samples and Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri (Mmc) in one. All animals were serologically negative for Ma. Also, out of 173 semen samples obtained from 137 admitted animals (2 and 3 samples were obtained in 16 and 10 bucks, respectively), one (1/173, 0.56%) was positive for Mmc. Our findings suggest that ear swab and semen samples are useful tools to control CA at AI Centers. The introduction of this program has also resulted in the first detection of Mmc in semen from a naturally infected goat, confirming the ability of this mycoplasma to colonize the reproductive tract of male goats. These results highlight the need to improve control measures in semen producing centers to minimize the risk of CA transmission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on a study that examines the dose-response relation of alendronate-impregnated allograft with regard to the amount of graft bone and the amount of new bone or total bone after 12 weeks in goats. It combined the local application of bisphosphonate, demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and antibiotics with allograft bone chips in a bone chamber. The reserchers investigated the local application of antibiotics and its impact on bone remodelling.

Objective To investigate the effects of live weight, sex and other factors on deciduous (first incisor) loss and permanent first incisor development in Angora goats. Design Goats were part of a pen study on the effects of energy intake in Angora does during pregnancy and lactation on kid growth and development. The design was three levels of nutrition in mid-pregnancy × two levels of postnatal nutrition in 17 randomised blocks. Methods Conception times were calculated by using artificial insemination, with ultrasound examination 43 days after insemination. Does were fed different amounts of a formulated diet in their pens. After weaning, goats were grazed in sex groups. Deciduous first incisor loss and permanent first incisor development were recorded at 11 time points from 14 to 20 months of age. Results For each sex, the time for visible eruption and full development of permanent first incisor declined linearly with increased live weight by 5.9 and 5.4 days/kg live weight, respectively. The time to reach similar development stages for first permanent incisors eruption was 3 months longer for the lightest animals compared with the heaviest animals. Date of birth, birth weight, doe age, growth rates, mid-pregnancy and postnatal nutrition, parity, day of weaning and weaning weight had no detectable effect. Conclusions The results explain much of the substantial range in reported first permanent incisor eruption dates for small ruminants and have application in ageing of goats, marketing of kids for meat, in the selection of animals for breeding flocks and in educational material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this investigation was to optimize fixed-time insemination in goats by clustering ovulations in prostaglandin F2α-synchronized goats either with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The underlying intention was to reduce the incidence of short cycles by providing a more sustained stimulation of the corpus luteum by substituting the commonly used GnRH with longer-acting hCG. It was conjectured that this might render the corpus luteum less prone to premature regression. Sixty pluriparous does were administered 5 mg of the prostaglandin F2α preparation dinoprost (Dinolytic; Pharmacia and Upjohn, Erlangen, Germany) during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. Twenty of these does were administered 0.004 mg of the GnRH analog buserelin (Receptal; Intervet, Unterschleissheim, Germany) 48 hours later; another 20 does received 500 IU hCG (Chorulon; Intervet, Unterschleissheim, Germany) instead. Sixteen hours later the does were inseminated with frozen-thawed semen. The remaining 20 does served as controls and were inseminated 16–18 h after the onset of detected estrus. All 60 treated goats displayed estrous symptoms, the time of onset being similar for all groups (42.6, 37.6, and 40.5 hours after treatment for GnRH-treated, hCG-treated, and control does, respectively). The duration of estrus in the GnRH-treated group was 10 h less than in the other groups (45.1 vs. 56.4 and 54.4 h, P < 0.05). The number of ovulations (assessed by ultrasound monitoring) did not differ among groups (2.4, 2.1, and 2.5, P > 0.05). Monitoring of serum progesterone revealed that the incidence of corpus luteum insufficiency was significantly higher in GnRH- and hCG-treated does than in the control group (40% and 35% vs. 5%, P < 0.05). The pregnancy rate was 50% in the GnRH and 35% in the hCG group as compared with 60% in the controls. Corresponding kidding rates were 40%, 35%, and 60% (P > 0.05). When disregarding does with corpus luteum insufficiency, pregnancy rates would have been 83%, 54%, and 63%, and kidding rates 67%, 54%, and 63%, respectively. The average number of kids born was 1.88, 1.71, and 1.83, respectively (P > 0.05). It may be concluded that fixed time insemination of cycling does treated with prostaglandin F2α during the luteal phase, followed by ovulation induction with GnRH or hCG, would be an effective management tool if it were possible to control the high incidence of corpus luteum insufficiency. The attempt to achieve this by substituting GnRH with hCG, was not met with success. Until a solution for the problem has been found, it is advisable to inseminate prostaglandin-synchronized does 16–18 hours after the onset of detected estrus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This research aimed to evaluate two concentrations of egg yolk inclusion rates (20 and 2.5%) in the semen extender of goat semen cryopreserved during two seasons of the year. The study was conducted during a light-induced breeding season (Experiment 1), and during the natural breeding season (Experiment 2), in the southern hemisphere. Four ejaculates from each buck (n =2) were collected in each experiment. After collection, semen was divided, with each sample being diluted in the semen extender – according to the treatments (T1 – 20% egg yolk or T2 – 2.5% egg yolk, using a glucose–EDTA extender). For T1 treatment in Experiment 2, the semen was also washed before the semen cryopreservation process. The semen samples were frozen, and after thawing evaluated for seminal characteristics i.e. sperm motility, vigor, morphology and membrane integrity. The fertilising capacity of the frozen-thawed semen was evaluated following a single artificial insemination 12h after the onset of estrus in 50 (Experiment 1) and 60 does (Experiment 2). In Experiments 1 and 2, the mean values for sperm motility and membrane integrity of the frozen-thawed semen did not differ between the T1 and T2 treatments. However, the mean sperm vigor and morphological normal sperm were greater (P <0.05) in T2 than T1 treatment. The fertility rates recorded did not differ between T1 and T2 treatments in Experiment 1, however, it was greater (P <0.05) in the T2 than in the T1 treatment, in Experiment 2. According to obtained results, it can be recommended to use a glucose–EDTA extender with a low egg yolk concentration (2.5%) inclusion, for superior fertility results in goats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two experiments were carried out on Ionica dairy goats in order to test the efficiency of: (1) short term-5-day combined progestogen-PGF2α-GnRH treatments on induction/synchronization of oestrus and fertility after natural mating in lactating goats and during the transition period (Experiment 1); (2) short term-9-day FGA-PGF2α-eCG treatments on synchronizing oestrus and ovulation (Experiment 2.1) and artificial insemination (AI) fixed time system in synchronized does (Experiment 2.2), during the breeding season. In Experiment 1, four treatment groups (N =24) were considered: (1) FPe-11d – control, FGA intravaginal sponges (11 days)+PGF2α (9th d)+eCG (11th d); (2) FPe-5d, FGA (5 days)+PGF2α (5th d)+eCG (5th d); (3) PFe-5d, PGF2α (D0)+FGA (5 days)+eCG (5th d); (4) GPe-5d, GnRH (D0)+PGF2α (5th d)+eCG (5th d). Goats were checked for oestrus and naturally mated. The occurrence of oestrus was 75.0, 78.3, 86.4, and 58.3% for groups 1–4, respectively, with significant differences (P <0.05) between groups 3 and 4. Interval to oestrus was earlier (P <0.05) in GPE-5d than in FPe-11d control group. There were no differences between the groups (P >0.05) in fertility or in prolificacy. In Experiment 2.1, 22 goats were subdivided into two treatment groups (N =11): (T1) FPe-11d (control), FGA (11 days)+PGF2α (9th d)+eCG (11th d); (T2) FPe-9d, FGA (9 days)+PGF2α (7th d)+eCG (9th d). Oestrus and ovulation times were monitored every 4h; ovulation rate was also determined. The induction of oestrus ranged from 91 to 100% and all goats ovulated. Intervals to oestrus, from the onset of oestrus to ovulation, from sponge removal to ovulation, and ovulation rates were 28.2±4.9 and 26.0±4.0h, 25.3±9.2 and 28.9±7.4h, 53.5±7.6 and 54.9±7.1h, 3.7±1.6 and 2.4±1.4 corpora lutea (P <0.05) for T1 and T2, respectively. In T2 a great abnormal ovulatory response was observed. In Experiment 2.2, 48 goats were synchronized with FPe-9d treatment and subjected to AI, performed 50h after s.r. with frozen semen, and subdivided into 2 AI system groups (N =24): T3, exocervical AI (100×106 Spz/doe); T4, intrauterine AI (20×106 Spz/doe). Fertility rate was higher (P <0.05) in T4. It seems that short term-5-day combined progestogen-PGF2α-GnRH-eCG treatments need to be investigated for AI fixed time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Commercial small dairy goat producers, exploiting European breeds and selling fluid milk, concentrate in the southeastern and southern States of Brazil. They are in need to access improved germplasm due to government regulations banning imports of living material. This paper reports the actions taken, the difficulties encountered and the preliminary results of a Dairy Goat Breeding Plan started in 2005 by EMBRAPA Goats and Sheep, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food and the Association of Goats and Sheep Breeders of Minas Gerais States. The plan''s objective was to address the needed access to improved germplasm claimed by farmers, through conducting progeny tests. Participatory and community work took place to organize/implement the plan. A professional milk recording institution was recruited by farmers to collect individual milk records in the associated farms where bucks are progeny-tested. Selection criteria mainly designed to respond to the market demand, focused on milk yields, lactation lengths and reproductive characteristics. Twenty bucks of Saanen, French Alpine and Anglo-Nubian breeds are being tested through artificial insemination in 22 herds. Until August 2010, the databank contained 7872 milk test days. The averages for total milk yield in a complete lactation, milk yield in 305 days of lactation, lactation length and average daily yield were 768±16kg, 676±10kg, 278±4 days and 2.75±0.01kg/day, respectively. Herd effects were found important (P <0.01) with a wide range of averages in milk production which justifies well the progeny test to suit germplasm for also a wide range of environments. Breed effects were also important in differentiating total milk yields in a complete lactation (P <0.01) with Saanen goats having significantly greater yields than Alpine and crossbred goats. Linear and quadratic age effects were significant in changing milk yields. The establishment and implementation of the plan confronted difficulties that were not insurmountable and offered important lessons learned and recommendations for similar engagements for smallholder dairy goat production systems elsewhere. These included: (1) careful identification and involvement of stakeholders considering the enabling conditions needed and sustainability, (2) engagement, whenever possible, of organized and trusted systems for data collection with a long-term projection. Avoid organizations/persons distrusted by farmers, (3) consider the sustainability of the plan from inception and policy development to this end, (4) while designing the selection objectives and criteria, consider not only traits that respond to market trends, but also traits that farmers judge as important. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In developing countries, such as Brazil, goat business is in a considerable expansion and the use of biotechnology may be an important tool to increase productivity of livestock in genetic improvement programs. However, more studies are necessary to gain a better understanding of the potential uses of such techniques, including their usefulness to improve reproductive efficiency, which could contribute to the development of less favoured regions. The objective of this review is to describe the main reproductive biotechniques used in Brazil, such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization and transgenesis, as well as the results obtained with their use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Because intravaginal devices impregnated with 0.3 g of progesterone (i.e., CIDR-G) contain remaining hormone after their use in a Short-term Protocol (5 to 7 d of treatment), the reuse of these devices is proposed in goats. Two experiments were designed to study the effects of the reutilization of CIDR-G, establishing serum progesterone concentrations, follicular development, ovulatory response, and fertility. Experiment 1: Thirty dairy goats received a Short-term Protocol for 5 d using CIDR-G of first use (new devices, n = 10), second use (previously used for 5 d, n = 10), or third use (previously used twice for 5 d each time, n = 10). Goats were given (im) prostaglandin F2α (10 mg dinoprost) and eCG (300 IU) at device insertion and withdrawal, respectively. Serum progesterone concentrations induced by CIDR-G of first use were higher than CIDR-G of second or third use (P < 0.05); concentrations were consistently > 1 ng/mL in all females treated with reused devices. Estrus and ovulation were synchronized in 100% of goats (no differences among treatments). All females treated with new devices, but only 80% of females treated with re-used devices ovulated a new follicle that emerged after CIDR-G insertion (P = NS). Ovulation occurred between 60 and 70 h after device removal (no differences among groups). Experiment 2: In goats subjected to a Short-term Protocol followed by AI at 54 h after CIDR-G, pregnancy rates with CIDR-G of first, second, and third use were 75.3% (64/85), 67.4% (60/89), and 62.1% (54/87), respectively (devices of first versus third use, P < 0.05). In summary, intravaginal devices originally containing 0.3 g of progesterone appeared effective to synchronize estrus and ovulation after first, second and third use in the Short-term Protocol. Although the pregnancy rate with reused devices was acceptable (i.e., > 60%), it was significantly lower than that achieved with new devices and further studies to ensure adequate follicular turnover are required. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Male goats admitted to artificial insemination centres come from herds that have shown no clinical symptoms of contagious agalactia (CA) for the last 6 mo. However, prior reports suggest that this control measure may not be completely effective. This study was designed to detect the presence of CA-causing mycoplasmas in 9 Spanish centres, comprising 159 goats (147 males and 12 teaser does) of 8 different breeds. A microbiological study was conducted during 8 mo on 448 samples (318 ear swabs, 119 semen samples and 11 milk samples). In 86 samples (84 swabs, 1 semen sample and 1 milk sample), CA-causative mycoplasmas were detected by PCR or culture, and 52 animals (49 goat males and 3 teaser does) tested positive. Most of these positive animals were auricular carriers (n = 50), mainly of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri (Mmc), although some M. agalactiae (Ma) and, interestingly, M. capricolum subsp. capricolum (Mcc) carriers were also identified. At least 1 animal infected by CA-causing mycoplasmas was detected in 8 of the 9 centres (88.8%) although in most (66.7%) no infected animals or only 1 or 2 positive animals were identified. Our results indicate the presence of CA carriers as asymptomatic animals in reproductive programmes. These findings have already prompted efficient measures to detect and avoid the entry of these carriers in Spanish centres. We recommend similar measures for all centres in areas where CA is endemic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To quantify intrinsic learning processes, the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) was established and incorporated into a questionnaire provided to participants in two meat goat artificial insemination clinics. Pre-test and post-test results on meat goat knowledge, motivation constraints, and confidence in livestock management skills were compared to assess the impact of the instructional clinics. In both months, participants increased their examination scores and improved confidence in their livestock management skills. Understanding of key aspects of the IMI may be of importance when planning educational programs for agricultural producers coming from a variety of different backgrounds and experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In two field trials (T1 and T2), the effect of two different extenders for buck semen was tested. Semen from six (T1) and seven (T2) bucks of the Norwegian Dairy Goat breed was diluted either in a milk-based extender containing egg yolk (M) or in a commercially available extender without egg yolk [Andromed (A)]. Dilution in M was performed in a two-step procedure including centrifugation of the ejaculates and removal of the supernatant, while dilution in A was performed in one step. During the two trials (T1 and T2) 514 and 714, does, respectively, were artificially inseminated during natural oestrus, and the farmers performed the inseminations themselves after attending an artificial insemination (AI) training course. Vaginal insemination with 200 × 10 spermatozoa diluted in M resulted in a 25-day non-return rate (NRR) and kidding rate of 37.3% and 24.5%, respectively, while semen diluted in A resulted in 31.7% NRR and a kidding rate of 19.8% (T1). In T2, NRR and kidding rate for AI performed with semen diluted with M were 42.7% and 28.5%, respectively, while dilution in A gave 37.2% NRR and a kidding rate of 26.8%. There was no significant effect of extender in the two trials [T1:p = 0.068 (NRR), p = 0.148 (kidding rate), T2:p = 0.096 (NRR), p = 0.38 (kidding rate)], but farmer had a significant effect on the fertility parameters in both trials. In conclusion, the present studies may indicate that Andromed is suitable for buck semen. However, more research is necessary to confirm the results and to improve the fertility of does after vaginal AI with frozen-thawed semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rowe, J.D., Tell, L.A., Carlson, J.L., Griffith, R.W., Lee, K., Kieu, H., Wetzlich, S., Hallford, D. Progesterone milk residues in goats treated with CIDR-G inserts. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2885.2010.01172.x. Progesterone (P4)-impregnated intravaginal controlled internal drug-releasing devices (CIDRs) have been used worldwide for estrus synchronization in ruminants. CIDRs serve to place all treated animals in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. The objectives of this study were to compare P4 concentrations in milk from normal reproductively cycling, CIDR-treated, and pregnant goats. CIDRs were placed in treatment goats on day 0 and removed on day 19. Milk was collected daily from day 0 to day 21 from control and CIDR-treated goats and for 5 consecutive days between 40 and 60 days of gestation from pregnant does. Milk P4 was plotted against time (in days) for each individual, and the area under the curve ( AUC) was calculated as an estimate of total milk P4. The AUC for control and CIDR-treated goats were 29.5 ± 11.9 and 33.7 ± 6.6 d·ng/mL, respectively ( P = 0.77). The highest single-day and highest 5-day average P4 values for each animal were also compared among groups. Single-day peak P4 levels were 4.8 ± 1.5, 4.0 ± 1.0, and 6.0 ± 0.4 ng/mL for control, CIDR-treated, and pregnant goats ( P = 0.42). The highest 5-day average P4 concentrations were 3.6 ± 1.3, 2.9 ± 1.8, and 4.2 ± 0.3 for control, CIDR-treated, and pregnant goats ( P = 0.56). The results of this study show that intravaginal P4 CIDR devices inserted for 19 days in healthy goats resulted in milk P4 levels similar to or less than those endogenously produced during diestrus or pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In a field trial, a total of 472 Norwegian Dairy goats showing natural estrus were artificially inseminated with frozen-thawed semen. The farmers themselves performed vaginal deposition of 400 × 106 spermatozoa; one half of the does received two straws (200 × 106 spermatozoa/straw) at the same time (single AI), while the other half received two straws (200 × 106 spermatozoa/straw) 12 h apart (double AI). The commercially available extender Andromed® was used for dilution. The does were housed at 15 different farms, and on average 31 does were inseminated per farm. Non return rates (NRR) and kidding rates after single insemination were 64.3% and 58.3%, respectively. Double inseminations resulted in a NRR of 62% and a kidding rate of 57%. No significant difference between single and double AI was seen in the study. This study indicates that single or double vaginal insemination with an equal total number of frozen-thawed spermatozoa (400 × 106) can give acceptable fertility results in Norwegian Dairy goats. However, studies on reducing sperm numbers are called for to allow AI donor bucks to be used to their fullest potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the age and parity of the embryo donor on the superovulatory response and embryo recovery rate in Boer goat does. The oestrous cycles of seven maiden does (young, 1 - 2 years) and nine multiparous does (adult, 3 - 4 years) were synchronised using controlled internal drug release dispensers (CIDR's) for a period of 17 days, and superovulated with pFSH during the natural breeding season. The superovulation treatment was administered as a total dose of 200 mg pFSH/doe given i.m. in seven dosages (at 12 h intervals) - starting 48 h prior to CIDR removal. Does were observed for oestrous behaviour three times daily, at 8 h intervals following CIDR withdrawal. Cervical inseminations (0.01 mL fresh undiluted semen) were performed 36 h and 48 h following CIDR removal and the embryos surgically flushed six days following the second artificial insemination. All does showed overt signs of oestrus. The time interval from CIDR removal to the onset of oestrus in the adult multiparous does (24.0 ± 4.0 h) was significantly shorter than that recorded in the younger does (32.0 ± 4.6 h). The age and parity of the embryo donors did not have any effect on the duration of the induced oestrous period. The mean number of CL's, structures and embryos recovered were significantly higher in the adult multiparous does (19.8 ± 4.8, 21.3 ± 3.9 and 20.9 ± 4.5, respectively), compared to the young maiden does (13.7 ± 3.8, 11.7 ± 5.0 and 11.7 ± 5.0, respectively). The fertilisation rate, the mean number of unfertilised ova and degenerate embryos recorded did not differ between the young and adult multiparous does. The mean number of transferable embryos in the adult does (15.8 ± 6.4) was, however, significantly higher than in the young does (9.5 ± 3.7). The longer response time taken to the onset of oestrus had no influence on the fertilisation rate in young does. Although the young does recorded an acceptable fertilisation rate, the number of transferable embryos was, however, lower due to the lower total number of embryos produced by the young donor does and this may favour the use of older multiparous does as embryo donors in a multiple ovulation and embryo transfer programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as artificial insemination (AI) and multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) have been used to increase reproductive efficiency and accelerate genetic gain. The principal limitations of MOET are due to variable female response to hormonal treatment, fertilization failures and premature regression of Corpora luteum. The in vitro production (IVP) of embryos offers the possibility of overcoming MOET limitations. The method of IVP of embryos involves three main steps: in vitro maturation of oocytes (IVM), in vitro fertilization of oocytes (IVF) with capacitated sperm and in vitro culture (IVC) of embryos up to blastocyst stage. Recovering oocytes from live selected females by laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) and breeding prepubertal females by juvenile in vitro embryo technology (JIVET) will allow a greater production of valuable goats. Also, IVP of goat embryos will provide an excellent source of embryos for basic research on development biology and for commercial applications of transgenic and cloning technologies. Different protocols of IVP of embryos have been used in goats. However oocyte quality is the main factor for embryos reaching blastocyst stage from IVM/IVF/IVC oocytes. One of the principal determinant factors in the results of blastocyst development is the age of the oocyte donor females. In goats, oocytes from prepubertal and adult females do not show differences in in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization; however the percentage of oocytes reaching blastocyst stage ranges from 12 to 36% with oocytes from prepubertal and adult goats, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the supplementation of Vitamin E in diet on the antioxidant capacity of testis in Boer goat. Twenty-four healthy, Boer male kids of similar body weight (BW) were selected at 3 months of age from the kid flock. Kids were born from does treated with simultaneous flushing and artificial insemination technology. The Boer kids were divided into four groups randomly, supplemented with 0, 80, 320 and 880IUkid−1 d−1 Vitamin E, which were labeled as Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, for 150 days (5 months). Blood samples were collected at the 15th-, 30th-, 60th-, 90th-, 120th-, and 150th-day during the experimental period, and the serums were used to determine Vitamin E content. Three Boer goats in each group were slaughtered at the age of eight months at the end of the experiment. Liver and testis were collected to test the Vitamin E content and the antioxidant capacity of testis. Results showed that the content of Vitamin E in serum, liver and testis increased with the increasing addition of Vitamin E. However, the content of Vitamin E in the serum, liver and testis, in the control, was significantly lower than in Groups 2 and 3, respectively, but there was no significant difference between the control Group and Group 4. When high levels of Vitamin E (880IUkid−1 d−1) were added, contents of Vitamin E in serum, liver and testis were decreased and compared with the controls. Adding a low level (80IUkid−1 d−1) of Vitamin E can increase activity of total anti-oxidation competence (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decrease content of nitric oxide (NO) in testis. MDA (malondialdehyde) content was decreased significantly in Group 3 (P <0.05). Supplementing a low level (80IUkid−1 d−1) and middle level (320IUkid−1 d−1) of Vitamin E decreased activity of nitric oxide syntha (NOS) in testis (P <0.05). Vitamin E can increase activity of GSH-PX (glutathione peroxidase). These results indicate that supplementing Vitamin E protects testis from damage by preoxidation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Contagious agalactia (CA) is among the most significant diseases affecting small ruminant populations in Mediterranean countries. This study was designed to detect the excretion in semen of CA-causing mycoplasmas in goats (Capra hircus) reared in Spain, where the disease is considered endemic. Culture techniques and PCR were conducted on 147 semen samples collected from 113 goat bucks to detect mycoplasmas. No animal showed clinical symptoms of CA at the moment of the screening. M. agalactiae was identified using both diagnostic methods in three semen samples collected from three different bucks. These animals belonged to a group of animals in which semen had been analyzed twice and only the second sample proved positive, suggesting the possibility of intermittent excretion. This is the first report of the isolation of M. agalactiae from semen collected from naturally infected goats. Future studies should investigate whether semen could be a real source of CA infection by determining if the agent may be transmitted during natural service or when semen is used for artificial insemination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The semen of five Majorera breed bucks was collected and processed to reach a final concentration of 200×106 spermatozoa/straw in the extender containing 4% of glycerol and 12% of egg yolk. Two freezing techniques were assessed: (LN) straws were frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen, and (ULF) straws were frozen and stored in the ultra-low freezer at −152°C. Semen quality (sperm motility, acrosome integrity and abnormal sperm cells percentages) was determined for different storage times (1, 30, 90 and 365 days of cryopreservation). Thereafter, 150 Majorera goats were assigned to four experimental groups: for groups LN-1 (n =40) and LN-6 (n =35), the goats were transcervically inseminated with frozen-thawed semen stored for 1 and 6 months in liquid nitrogen, respectively, while for groups ULF-1 (n =40) and ULF-6 (n =35), the goats were transcervically inseminated with frozen-thawed semen stored for 1 and 6 months in an ultra-low freezer at −152°C, respectively. The pregnancy rate was determined by transabdominal ultrasound scanning; in addition, the kidding rate and prolificacy were recorded at parturition. In vitro results showed that the freezing protocol did not affect sperm quality with similar values for up to 1 year of cryopreservation. The kidding rates were not significantly different between experimental groups (43.6%, 38.5%, 42.8% and 40.0% for groups LN-1, ULF-1, LN-6 and ULF-6, respectively). In all experimental groups, the kidding rate and prolificacy were significantly higher (p <0.01) in multiparous than in nulliparous goats. Therefore, the in vitro results and fertility trials confirmed the efficiency of the ULF technique for freezing and storage of goat semen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The response to the male effect was studied in two Saânen and two Alpine flocks over 5 consecutive years. Adult male and female goats were exposed to artificial long days (16h light and 8h darkness, 16L:8D) in open barns for approximately 3 months (between December 1 and April 15) followed by a natural photoperiod. Goats were treated for 11 days with fluorogestone acetate (FGA) or progesterone (CIDR) immediately before joining. Bucks carrying marking harnesses with adapted aprons joined females 49–63 days after the end of the long-day treatment (between April 30 and June 5) and were left with them for 5 days. In experiment 1 (n =142), FGA- and CIDR-treated goats were inseminated at a time based on the detection of oestrus. Two insemination groups were distinguished by the occurrence of marking over a 48-h period. Earlier (group 1) and later (group 2) buck-marked goats received one single insemination 12–24h or 0–12h after marking, respectively. Unmarked goats were inseminated along with group 2. In experiment 2 (n =344), FGA-treated goats were inseminated 52 and 70h (52h:70h group) or 52 and 75h (52h:75h group) after joining. In experiment 3 (n =285), FGA-treated goats were inseminated 52h (1-AI group) or 52 and 75h (2-AI group) after joining. In all experiments, an external control group given the “classical” insemination program was analysed. Over the 5-year period, 92% of the goats exhibited an LH surge during days 1–4 after joining and 98% of them ovulated. Eighty-seven percent of the LH surges detected in milk occurred during the 33–57h interval after joining, indicating that ovulation took place around 45–69h. In experiment 1, 96% of the goats were marked 22–70h after joining. Kidding rate (KR; 78%) was similar between insemination groups and between FGA- and CIDR-treated goats (p >0.05). Most of the goats (95%) were inseminated during the interval between 15h before and up to 4h after ovulation. KR was not affected by the time between detection of marking and insemination or between insemination and ovulation (p >0.05). In experiment 2, KR (75%) was similar in both insemination groups (p >0.05). In experiment 3, KR was higher (p <0.05) in the 1-AI (71%) than the 2-AI group (57%). In all experiments, KR of the control group (68–73%) was similar to that achieved in goats induced to ovulate by the male effect. Prolificity (2.1±0.7) was not affected by any of the factors examined (p >0.05). In conclusion, high fertility can be achieved during anoestrus when 1 or 2 inseminations are performed over a 24h period, determined by oestrus or by the introduction of the buck, if light-treated goats receive 11-day FGA or CIDR treatment and are then induced to ovulate by the male effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Standard artificial insemination (AI) using a speculum in dairy goats does not result in acceptable fertility rates in nulliparous does. An explanation might be the difficulties to pass the cervical canal in nulliparous females with the insemination gun, increasing the time needed for semen deposition. Nulliparous Alpine dairy goats were used to evaluate whether time interval from insertion to withdrawal of the speculum is a factor influencing pregnancy rates to first AI with frozenthawed semen. Oestrus was synchronized using fluorogestone acetate intravaginal sponges (FGA, 40 mg) for 11 days, associated with 50 mg i.m. of cloprostenol and 250 IU i.m. eCG 48 ? 2 h before sponge removal. In the first experiment (n= 52; 3 herds), the average duration of the AI procedure was 42 ? 10 s, with a median of 39 s. AI performed in less than 39 s resulted in higher pregnancy rates (75%, n= 28) than AI lasting for more than 39 s (46%, n= 24). In the second experiment, does (n= 325; 5 herds) were randomly assigned into two treatment groups according to a short (20 s) or long (60 s) AI procedure. We showed that the duration of AI affected fertility after a first insemination, and that pregnancy rate was significantly improved using a short-duration AI (61.2%; n= 169) compared with a long-duration AI (44.2%; n= 156). We have previously shown in the ewe that genital stimulation during AI enhanced uterine motility. Other authors reported a negative correlation between increased uterine motility at the time of AI and fertility rates in small ruminants. The results of this study suggest that rapid semen deposition may limit the reflex activation of uterine contractions provoked by the speculum and the movement of the insemination gun, and thus ameliorates reproductive performance to first AI in nulliparous goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study assessed the efficacy of an Ovsynch protocol (vs. the classical cronolone containing vaginal sponge+eCG treatment) to generate fixed-time insemination in goats during the breeding season. Each regimen was applied to 24 Boer goat does. Onset and duration of estrus were determined with an aproned male and follicular development was monitored by ultrasonography. Ovulation and quality of the corpora lutea were established from progesterone concentrations. In 10–11 goats per group, LH concentrations were determined throughout the preovulatory period. Does were inseminated at pre-determined times (16h after the second GnRH injection and 43h after sponge removal). Estrus was identified in 96% of the Ovsynch-treated goats (at 49h after prostaglandin injection) and in 100% of the goats synchronized with sponges (at 37h after sponge removal). Low progesterone concentrations at the time of AI were observed in 21/24 and 24/24 goats synchronized by Ovsynch and sponges, respectively. Synchronization of the LH surge was tighter following Ovsynch compared to sponge treatment. Kidding rates (at 58 and 46% in the Ovsynch and sponge groups, respectively) and prolificacy (at 1.86 and 1.83 in the Ovsynch- and sponge-treated goats) were similar for both groups, as were the number of ovulations (2.9 and 3.3) and the proportion of does with premature corpus luteum regression (29 and 17%). When excluding does with premature luteal regression and those with low progesterone levels when receiving prostaglandins, kidding rate reached 87.5% (14/16) after Ovsynch. During the breeding season, the Ovsynch protocol may thus be an useful alternative to the sponge–eCG treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Contents Recent studies demonstrated that the Short-term Protocol of 5 days of progestogen treatment plus one dose of prostaglandin F2 α and equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) resulted in a close synchronized ovulation (60 h after the end of treatment approximately). In addition, oestradiol benzoate (ODB) is effective in synchronizing ovulation in goats and could be an alternative to eCG. This study was performed to determine the pregnancy rate using the Short-term Protocol comparing: (i) two different moments of timed artificial insemination (TAI) after eCG treatment (trial 1) and (ii) ODB as an alternative to eCG treatment (trial 2). In trial 1, 250 IU of eCG was given at the end of progestogen exposure, and cervical TAI with fresh semen was performed 48 h (n = 156) or 54 h (n = 168) later. In trial 2, 250 IU of eCG was given at sponge withdrawal (eCG group, n = 154) or 200 μg of ODB was given 24 h later (ODB group, n = 119). TAI was performed 54 h after the end of progestogen treatment. Pregnancy rate was determined by transrectal ultrasonography. In trial 1, the pregnancy rate for goats with TAI performed at 54 h (107/168, 63.7%) was higher than for those with TAI performed 48 h (77/156, 49.4%; p < 0.05) after sponge withdrawal. In trial 2, pregnancy rate was higher in eCG (94/154, 61.0%) than in ODB (49/119, 40.3%; p < 0.05) treated goats. In conclusion, the highest pregnancy rate was achieved using Short-term Protocol associated with eCG and TAI performed 54 h after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study assesses the effectiveness of a method designed to induce and synchronize ovulation in goats during the non-breeding season, allowing for systematic timed artificial insemination (AI), without the need for prior estrus detection. This method (IMA.PRO2®) induces ovulation through the “male effect” and a single 25mg dose of progesterone given at the time of buck exposure, and early lysis of the induced corpus luteum by the administration of 75μg of cloprostenol 9 days later. The method was tested in three separate experiments. In experiment 1, estrus was detected in 87.5% of the treated goats 37.0±1.4h after cloprostenol administration, with the preovulatory LH surge occurring 40.5±1.6h after the cloprostenol injection. In experiment 2, data from 503 does revealed no significant differences in fertility rates between two groups inseminated 48h (65.5±4.0%) or 52h (63±3.0%) after receiving cloprostenol. In experiment 3, 2184 does, comprising 37 replicate groups on 12 farms, were randomly assigned to two trial subgroups. Does in the first subgroup were treated with the IMA.PRO2® method and goats from the second group were given intravaginal progestagens for 11 days, plus 350IU of eCG and 75μg of cloprostenol on Day 9 of this treatment. Goats from both subgroups were cervically inseminated at the same time, 50h after cloprostenol administration in the first group and 46h after sponge removal in the second. The pregnancy rate achieved with the new method was 64.6%, significantly higher than the yield observed for the use of progestagens plus eCG (46.8%, P <0.01). The simple method proposed as an alternative to the use of progestagen-eCG treatment provides good pregnancy rates to AI undertaken at a fixed time point, and reduces the amount of hormone needed to synchronize estrus in the animals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: TRIS-glucose or skim milk extenders are most commonly used for cryopreserving goat sperm. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of two extenders based on TRIS and skimmed milk buffer to maintain sperm viability after cryopreservation. Goat semen samples (n =110) were frozen with TRIS and with milk extender and thaw. Sperm motion parameters, morphology and acrosomal integrity were assessed in fresh and frozen-thawed samples by Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA) and Diff-Quik and Spermac staining techniques. Pregnancy rates were obtained after cervical insemination with frozen semen doses. The cryopreservation process had a significant effect on acrosome and kinematic parameters. TRIS extender provided more effective preservation of total motility, velocity parameters and amplitude of lateral head displacement after freezing. The percentage of acrosome intact spermatozoa was significantly higher in samples diluted with milk extender. In the insemination doses, mean values of velocity parameters and lateral head displacement were higher in doses processed in TRIS. Spermatozoa frozen in milk extender was mathematically greater than for those frozen with TRIS extenders, though no significant difference exists. We conclude that post-thaw kinematic parameters and acrosome integrity assessed after 1h of incubation was acceptable in both extenders which indicated the feasibility of cryopreserving goat spermatozoa. TRIS extender results in better in vitro performance compared to milk, though these improvements were not reflected in fertility results. Semen doses cryopreserved in milk extender provided greater pregnancy rates after intra-cervical insemination compared to those in TRIS extender (52.4% versus 42.9%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two experiments were performed to determine if there is a relation between the goat''s hierarchical position, and (1) the conception rate and litter size obtained with hormonal oestrous synchronisation treatments and fixed timed artificial insemination, and (2) the number of corpus luteum (CL) and the embryo quality obtained in superovulatory treatments during the breeding and the non-breeding seasons. In the first experiment, the success index of goats from four herds was determined, and was related to the reproductive results after oestrous hormonal synchronisation and fixed time artificial insemination. There were no significant differences in fertility (n =253; 49.5, 50.7 and 43.2%) or litter size (n =185), which was 1.6±0.1, 1.8±0.1, and 1.8±0.1 (mean±SEM) for Low, Medium and High ranked goats, respectively (P >0.1). In the second experiment, 37 and 34 superovulatory treatments were performed during the breeding and the non-breeding season, respectively. There was a link between hierarchical position and the number of corpus luteum in the non-breeding season and between dominance hierarchy and transferable embryos/fertilised embryos in the breeding season. We conclude that probably the social rank is not related to the conception rate or the litter size obtained after oestrous synchronisation treatments and fixed time artificial insemination in dairy goats under intensive reproductive management. Social hierarchy does not affect the response to superovulatory treatments in terms of the number of corpus luteum or the embryo quality during the breeding season. However, during the non-breeding season, hierarchical position may influence on the number of corpus luteum obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]