Field synchronization of Ethiopian Woito-guji goats in South Omo Zone using prostaglandin-based protocols

Abstract

In Ethiopia, and other tropical countries, reproduction in goats is seasonal due to nutritional constraints and seasonal availability of forage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of three different prostaglandin-based synchronization protocols in inducing and synchronizing estrus in South Omo Zone. Three homogeneous groups of non-pregnant and non-suckling adult females of the Woyito-Guji local goats were assigned to 3 different synchronization treatments. Goats in the first group (n=36) received a singular i.m. of 5 mg of the PGF2α analogue dinoprost (1 ml Enzaprost®; CEVA Laboratories, Libourne, France) (PGFs). Goats in the two other groups (n=34 in each group) received each 2 i.m. of 5 mg of the PGF2α analogue dinoprost (1 ml Enzaprost®; CEVA laboratories, Libourne, France) administered 7 and 11 days apart (PGF7 and PGF11). After synchronization, estrus onset, estrus end and oestrus duration were controlled using aproned bucks every 4 hours for at least 96 hours. Once detected in estrus, goats were mated twice at 12 h interval with selected bucks and return estrus was ensured. Kidding date and number of kids were recorded to estimate fertility and litter size. Only location affect significantly estrus response, onset and duration. The overall conception rate (CR) was 64.58±4.88 and none of the studied parameters (location, age, protocol, parity and weight) affected significantly the CR (p>0.05). The overall abortion rate (AR) was 12.50±3.38 which is high (>5%) and the highest AR was recorded for the nulliparous youngest goats located in Shaba Argemenda. The overall kidding rate (KR) was 53.13±5.09 and the highest KR was recorded for adult does located in Besso (age>4), having a parity of 3 and having a weight higher than 24kg. Only one female gave twins giving an overall mean litter size (LS) of 1,02±0,14. None of the studied parameters (location, age, protocol, parity and weight) affected significantly the LS (p>0.05).