Body condition score is a critical factor determining the onset of puberty in Blanca Andaluza female goat kids

Abstract

This study examines the effect of body condition score (BCS), independently of bodyweight (BW), on the onset of puberty in Blanca Andaluza female kids born in Autumn (November). Thirty-six female kids were distributed into three groups according to their BW and BCS: low BW and low BCS (LL, n = 10), low BW and high BCS (LH, n = 10), and high BW and high BCS (HH, n = 16). Feeding was adjusted weekly so that the animals would gain ~50 g per day. Oestrus was checked daily using young vasectomised bucks fitted with a marking harness. The ovulation rate was determined by transrectal ultrasonography 10 days after the identification of oestrus. Plasma samples were obtained weekly for progesterone determination. Changes in BW and BCS were also recorded weekly. The BCS had a clear effect on the date of first ovarian activity and first detected oestrus. The HH kids experienced the earliest onset of puberty (31 August ± 2.4 days) although no significant difference was seen compared with the LH group (19 September ± 8.7 days). A significant difference was recorded, however, in comparison with the LL group (25 October ± 7.8 days) (P < 0.001). No effect of BCS was observed on ovulation rate. These results show that, in Blanca Andaluza female kids, the onset of puberty depends strongly upon BCS. There may be clear benefit in breeding November-born animals if, during the prepubertal period, they can be maintained with a high BCS.

The reproductive response to the male effect of 7- or 10-month-old female goats is improved when photostimulated males are used

“…The study was conducted at the University of Huelva experimental farm (latitude 37° 20’N and longitude 6° 54’W), which meets the requirements of the European Community Commission for Scientific Procedure Establishments (2010/63). Methods were similar to those used in similar works of our research group (Gallego-Calvo et al ., 2015; Gallego-Calvo et al ., 2018).…”

“…A number of environmental factors influence the onset of puberty in does, including the photoperiod and season of birth (kids experience different photoperiodic stimuli depending on the time of year when they are born; age at puberty therefore differs according to the season of birth), body weight (BW), body condition (BC), and the male effect (Delgadillo et al ., 2007; Zarazaga et al ., 2009; Gallego-Calvo et al ., 2015). Summer/autumn-born does cannot be mated during the ensuing breeding season since they will either not have reached puberty, or barely reached it with just the minimum BW required (Kenyon et al ., 2012).…”

“…Numerous studies have reported a close association between body growth, nutritional status and the timing of puberty (Frisch and Revelle, 1970; Frisch et al ., 1977; Gallego-Calvo et al ., 2015). Several lines of evidence suggest that, in mammals, a critical BW (Frisch and Revelle, 1970) or critical BC (Frisch et al ., 1977) must be reached if puberty is to be attained at the expected time.…”

“…Gallego-Calvo et al . (2015) suggest that upon reaching this critical BW, the BC becomes a determining factor in the onset of puberty.…”

The onset of puberty in Cameroon Dwarf goats kept as pets in northwestern Croatia

“…Pygmy bucks and some does of larger breeds may reach puberty as early as 3 months of age, but mating is usually delayed until the animals reach at least 60% of their adult body weight. No effect of body condition score (BCS) was observed on ovulation rate, although the onset of puberty in Blanca Andaluza female goats strongly depends on BCS (Gallego‐Calvo, Gatica, Celi, Guzmán, & Zarazaga, ). In seasonal goat breeds, the onset of puberty is modified by the season of birth in both genders, although these modifications are more pronounced in female than in male kid goats (Delgadillo, De Santiago‐Miramontes, & Carrillo, ).…”