Reproductive performance of Mexican dairy goats under various management systems

doi:10.1016/0921-4488(95)00693-6

Small Ruminant Research

Volume 18, Issue 3, November 1995, Pages 249-253

https://doi.org/10.1016/0921-4488(95)00693-6 Get rights and content

Abstract

Reproductive data from five dairy goat farms in a semi-arid area of Mexico were studied from 1987 to 1993. The study accumulated the results from 1675 births. Three farms had continuous presence of the breeding buck (1005 kiddings) and two farms had seasonal introduction of a buck from May to December (670 observations). Goats gave birth for the first time at about 14 months (± 3 months), litter size of goats averaged 1.67 (± 0.2), and interval between kidding was 347 days (± 56 days). Quarterly seasonal distribution of births was 25% from January to March (n = 419), 11% from April to June (n = 184), 5% from July to September (n = 84) and 59% from October to December (n = 988). No statistical difference was observed among farms in reproductive performance. Seasonality of reproduction was demonstrated, with 1407 kiddings (84%) in the autumn. Rainfall showed a significant correlation with fertility and oestrus induction (P < 0.05) but temperatures did not. Dairy goats were mostly seasonal. The number of kids per parturition can be partially explained by the age of the dam and number of parturition, first kidding having the smallest prolificacy (P < 0.01). There was no significant effect of the month of kidding or kidding interval. Rainfall appeared to be the key factor to initiate ovarian activity into the breeding season.

Resumen

Se estudiaron los datos del comportamiento reproductivo de cabras mexicanas lecheras de 5 unidades de la zona semiárida de México fueron estudiadas desde 1987 a 1993. El estudio acumuló 1675 nacimientos. Tres de las granjas tenían la presencia continua del macho durante todo el año (1005 partos) y dos introducian estacionalmente el macho de mayo a diciembre (670 observaciones). Las primalas parieren por primera vez a los 14 meses de edad (± 3 meses), el tamaño de la camada fue de 1.67 (± 0.2), el intervalo entre parto fue de 347 días (± 56 días). La distributión por cuatrimestres fue de un 25% de los partos deenero amarzo (n = 419); 11% de abril a junio (n = 184); 5% de julio a septiembre (n = 84) y 59% de octubre a diciembre (n = 988). No se observó una diferencia estadística entre los parámetros de reproductivos de las granjas estudiadas. Se observó una repartitión estacional de los partos con 1.407 (84%) de ellos entre el otoño y el invierno. La precipitación pluvial tuvo una correlación significativa entre la fertilidad y la induccion del estro (P > 0.05) mientras que la temperatura no. La lluvia aparentemente es el factor clave que influencia el inicio de la reproducció en las cabras.

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Resumption of ovarian activity is modified by non-photoperiodic environmental cues in Criollo goats in tropical latitudes
2016, Small Ruminant Research
Citation Excerpt :
Extending these hypotheses, Chemineau and Ravault (1984) observed that rectal temperatures are reduced when both minimal air temperature and humidity are low. Moreover, other authors indicated a positive relationship between precipitation and fertility rate (Mellado et al., 1991; Galina et al., 1995; Silva et al., 1998). These authors observed that the conception rate increased as the rainfall increased and the rainy season continued.
The reproductive activity of female goats under tropical latitude is modulated by photoperiod; however other non-photoperiodic cues may play a role in this modulation. We assessed the relationships among circulating concentrations of progesterone and environmental cues (photoperiod, atmospheric pressure, precipitation, absolute humidity, maximum environmental and soil temperatures, and wind speed). For two consecutive years, environmental data were collected every 10 min, while 8 female goats, separated from bucks, were individually fed a maintenance diet and were kept under natural conditions of photoperiod and climate (22°N). Female goats were weighed and body mass index (BMI) determined every week and were bled bi-weekly to monitor circulating patterns of progesterone. Environmental data was not similar in both years (P < 0.001). Live weight rose from 37.4 ± 1.3 kg (mean ± SEM) to 53.7 ± 2.2 kg, and BMI from 8.3 ± 0.3 to 12.2 ± 0.4 over the course of the experiment. The mean date when resumption of ovarian activity occurred differed between years (17 October vs. 27 September; P < 0.001) and it was negatively associated with live weight and BMI (P < 0.01). We observed that resumption of ovarian activity occurred when the ambient temperature averaged below 26° C. The concentration of progesterone was positively associated with live weight and BMI (P < 0.05), absolute humidity and atmospheric pressure (P < 0.001); but it was negatively associated with photoperiod, precipitation, and also maximum environmental and soil temperatures (P < 0.001). The concentration of progesterone was not associated with wind speed (P > 0.05). In conclusion, criollo goats from the semi-arid region of central-northern Mexico exhibited a clearly defined reproductive seasonality. This reproductive seasonality is not only modulated by photoperiod but also by non-photoperiodic environmental cues which may play an important role on this modulation. Temperature above 28 °C affects productivity by causing a decrease of the concentration of progesterone resulting in anoestrus. An understanding of the interactions between climatic variables and the seasonal reproductive activity in goats, may lead environmental manipulations that aid to their reproductive management.
Effects of weather and management factors on fertility after artificial insemination in Florida goats: A ten-year study
2016, Small Ruminant Research
Citation Excerpt :
Mellado and Meza-Herrera (2002) reported that the conception rate of goats that had been bred when it was raining was 14% lower than the conception rate of goats that had been bred when it was not raining. Galina et al. (1995) reported that fertility and estrous induction were significantly correlated with rainfall, but not with temperature. In our study of another Mediterranean goat breed (Payoya), fertility rates were 12–14% higher for the highest decile of mean T, maximum T, and minimum T, and 10% higher for the lowest decile of rainfall (Arrébola et al., 2015).
This study assessed the effects of management factors and weather at artificial insemination (AI) on fertility rate in the Florida goat breed based on 7621 artificial inseminations from 47 farms in Spain. Overall, fertility rate was 55%. Farm (P < 0.0001), month (P < 0.01), number of previous kiddings (P < 0.05), milk production at AI (P < 0.05), interval between last kidding and AI (P < 0.0001), the person responsible for selecting animals for AI (P < 0.05), progestagen dose (P < 0.001), eCG dose (P < 0.0001), sperm dose (P < 0.05), site of insemination (P < 0.001), incidences at AI (P < 0.0001), fulfillment of AI timing schedule (P < 0.0001), buck (P < 0.0001), and technician (P < 0.001) had a significant effect on fertility rate. Mean and maximum temperatures (T) (P < 0.001) and solar radiation (SR) on the day of AI differed significantly between does that became pregnant and those that did not. After meteorological data were converted to categorical variables as deciles, the proportions of does that became pregnant were significantly higher among inseminations that were performed when mean T (56% vs. 48%; P < 0.001), maximum T (59% vs. 46%; P < 0.0001) and SR (60% vs. 49%; P < 0.0001) were in the highest, and rainfall (50% vs. 55%; P < 0.01) was in the lowest decile. Based on odds ratios (OR), mean T was a protective factor (OR = 1.341), and minimum T on AI day was a risk factor for pregnancy (OR = 0.877). Numerous management factors, coupled with protective or risk meteorological factors, influenced the success of the AI program in Florida goats by increasing or decreasing pregnancy rates. Although the control of the technical aspects of AI is crucial to its success, weather cannot be controlled. It remains to be determined whether scheduling AI dates based on weather forecasts is an effective means of increasing fertility rates in goats.
Breed differences over time and heritability estimates for production and reproduction traits of dairy goats in the United States
2012, Journal of Dairy Science
Citation Excerpt :
The age at first kidding also increased most for Alpines (21.8%) and LaManchas (21.6%). Galina et al. (1995) and Silva et al. (1998) both reported a mean age at first kidding of 427 d for Mexican dairy goats on farms in central Mexico, which was lower than found for any breed in this study. The lower age at first kidding may have resulted from less reproductive seasonality in central Mexico, continuous breeding, and the possible presence of local goat genes in the population.
To aid in improvement of breeding programs for production and reproduction traits of US dairy goats, breed differences over time were documented and genetic parameters were estimated. Data were from herds with ≥2 breeds (Alpine, LaMancha, Nubian, Oberhasli, Saanen, or Toggenburg), but only purebred data were analyzed. Three kidding periods were examined: 1976 through 1984, 1985 through 1994, and 1995 through 2005. Univariate repeatability mixed models were used to estimate least squares means by kidding period-breed and genetic parameters for milk, fat, and protein yields, combined fat and protein yield, fat and protein percentages, protein:fat ratio, age at first kidding, and kidding interval. Trends across kidding periods were favorable for most yield traits for all breeds but generally unfavorable for reproduction traits. Saanens had the highest milk (1,063 to 1,125 kg) and protein yields (31 to 33 kg). Nubians had the highest fat yields (37 to 40 kg) and lowest milk yields (791 to 851 kg). Oberhaslis had the lowest fat (31 to 33 kg) and protein (23 to 27 kg) yields. Alpines had the largest increase in milk yield (7.4%); Oberhaslis had the largest increase in protein (17.4%) and combined fat and protein (13.2%) yields. Combined fat and protein yield was higher for Nubians, Saanens, and Alpines (65 to 72 kg) than for LaManchas, Toggenburgs, and Oberhaslis (53 to 67 kg). Nubians had the highest fat (4.7 to 4.8%) and protein (3.6 to 3.8%) percentages. Only Nubians increased in fat percentage (2.1%); protein percentage increased most for Toggenburgs (7.4%) and Alpines (7.1%). Protein:fat ratio was highest for Toggenburgs (0.84 to 0.89) and lowest for Nubians (0.76 to 0.81), but Nubians had the largest increase in protein:fat ratio (6.6%). Saanens were oldest at first kidding (509 to 589 d), and Toggenburgs and LaManchas generally were youngest (435 to 545 d); age at first kidding increased most for Alpines (21.8%) and LaManchas (21.6%). Kidding intervals generally were shorter for Oberhaslis, LaManchas, and Nubians (350 to 377 d) than for Toggenburgs, Alpines, and Saanens (373 to 387 d). Kidding interval increased most for Nubians (3.9%) and Saanens (3.8%) and decreased only for Oberhaslis (5.4%). Heritability estimates across breeds were 0.35 for milk and fat yields, 0.37 for protein yield and protein:fat ratio, 0.36 for combined fat and protein yield, 0.52 for fat percentage, 0.54 for protein percentage, 0.23 for age at first kidding, and 0.05 for kidding interval. Genetic selection within breed is feasible for production and reproduction traits of US dairy goats.
Development of a mathematical model to study the impacts of production and management policies on the herd dynamics and profitability of dairy goats
2009, Agricultural Systems
The reduction in goat milk production and the competitiveness of more profitable activities have increased the adoption of measures to enhance goat milk and meat around the world. A simulation model was built to evaluate the dynamics of a dairy goat herd under different scenarios of production. A System Dynamics approach was used to identify management policies that could affect the behaviour of the herd over 10 years of simulation using data from a dairy goat herd in Brazil. The impact of reproductive and mortality rates, one or two annual reproductive cycles on production, and economic health of dairy goats on changes in the herd dynamics were evaluated. Simulations indicated that small changes in reproduction and mortality rates and milk price can considerably affect the dynamics of the herd as well as the financial health of the production system. The interferences created to visualize the effects were not immediately realized because of intrinsic delays in the system. The comparison of models with one or two breeding seasons indicated that the latter was considerably more profitable and had a faster turnover. It was also found that the two breeding season had a greater capacity to support reduction in milk price that could generate financial instability in the production system. It was concluded that mathematical models can be used to predict impacts in management policies on herd dynamics and sensitivity to support the dairy goat activity showing its viability as an agricultural activity that can contribute to the production and incomes in small farms.
Reproductive performance of Korean native goats under natural and intensive conditions
2006, Small Ruminant Research
This study was conducted to compare the reproductive performance of Korean native goats (KNG) under range (n = 199) and intensive (n = 269) conditions. Ages at first kidding were 412.1 ± 32.7 and 382.0 ± 25.2 days, with the mean kidding interval being 207.8 ± 1.7 and 211.6 ± 2.7 days under range and intensive environments, respectively. The percentage of single, twins, triplets and quadruplets born were 40.6, 50.4, 8.0 and 1.0% under range and 33.8, 54.4, 11.4 and 0.4% under intensive environments, respectively. The mean litter sizes were 1.69 ± 0.03 and 1.78 ± 0.16 at birth and 1.31 ± 0.03 (77.5%) and 1.52 ± 0.17 (85.4%) at weaning for the range and intensive groups, respectively. The management system affected the reproductive performance of the KNG does, especially, the age at first kidding and litter size at weaning which were higher under intensive conditions. The kidding interval, birth type and litter size at birth were not influenced by rearing environment. The reproductive performance of KNG obtained in this study was higher than those found in the other breeds such as Saanen, Alpine and Anglo-Nubian. However, it agrees with the results obtained in the Boer goats.
Manipulation of lactation and suckling on the resumption of postpartum reproductive activity in Damascus goats
2003, Small Ruminant Research
The reproductive activity of Damascus goats was studied in does that were not allowed to mate (non-lactating does) (Group C) and lactating does with different suckling treatments (Groups A and B). Time resumption of sexual activity was not significantly different between lactating and non-lactating does or between does’ groups of different suckling treatments. All does started to demonstrate estrous behavior during autumn (September). In Groups A, B and C the mean length of the estrous cycle was 19.0±0.6, 19.5±0.3 and 22.0±2.0 days, duration of the estrous period 29.6±3.0, 31.0±5.3 and 25.3±5.8 h, mean corpus luteum (CL) counts 1.6±0.2, 1.8±0.2 and 1.8±0.3, while mean litter size was 1.1±0.1, 1.2±0.2 and 1.3±0.5, respectively.
In the three groups an increase in the plasma progesterone concentrations started from summer (mid-June), indicating the occurrence of one or more ovulatory anestrus (silent ovulation). Plasma prolactin levels were higher (P<0.01) in lactating does than in non-lactating does and at 4 weeks postpartum. Moreover, prolactin levels were significantly higher (P<0.01) in does suckling their kids than in does being machine milked. Plasma progesterone levels during postpartum were negatively significantly correlated with prolactin levels. The study demonstrated that lactation and suckling lengths have no effect on the resumption of postpartum sexual activity in Damascus goats and that season is the major factor controlling the ovarian activity.

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Reproductive performance of Mexican dairy goats under various management systems

Abstract

Resumen

Small Ruminant Res.

Small Ruminant Res.

J. Dairy Sci.

Agric. For. Meteorol.

Sexual behaviour and gonadal activity during the year in the tropical Creole meat goat. I. Female oestrus behaviour and ovarian activity

Reprod. Nutr. Dev.

Abolition des variations saisonnières de l'activité sexualle chez le bouc par des traitements photoperiddiques

A critical analysis of the tropical forage consumption and utilization by goats