Reproductive Management in Goat Breeding

Abstract

Goats belong to the „short day breeders“ group of seasonal polyoestrous animals. In the temperate climate zone, their season lasts from mid-summer till mid-autumn, being regulated by epiphysis’ melatonine secretion, as well as by genetics and environment factors. Therefore, the presence of goat milk and dairy products, as well as goat meat, at the food market, is exclusively seasonal. In order to provide goat food products throughout the whole year, reproductive herd management should be established. This paper presents a brief overview of the methods of reproductive management in dairy goat herds (natural mating and artificial insemination, hormonal and nonhormonal synchronization methods and embryo production and transfer). Proposed protocols are consisted of light treatment, male effect and timed artificial insemination which could be combined with or without injection of prostaglandin. Application of reproductive and breeding programs allow efficient diffusion of desirable genetic traits in a selection program.