Puberty in Anglo-Nubian and Saanen female kids raised in the semi-arid of north-eastern Brazil

Fifteen Anglo-Nubian and 14 Saanen female kids were used to evaluate the age at puberty when raised in a semi-arid environment. The kids were monitored from 90 days of age until all females showed, at least, one (first) oestrous period. The kids were weighed at 15-day intervals and the occurrence of oestrus was checked twice a day. Blood samples were taken weekly and assayed for progesterone in order to detect luteal function. The age at puberty was defined as the date of first oestrus followed by luteal function. After puberty, the oestrous cycles were observed and classified as short ( 25 days) in length. The initial and final body weights were, respectively, 14.6±1.2 and 34.0±2.0 kg for Anglo-Nubian kids, and 17.4±1.2 and 40.1±2.5 kg for Saanen kids. From 150 days of age, the Saanen goats were heavier (P