Estrous Characteristics of Lactating Saanen Ettawah Crossbred (SAPERA) Does on Different Parturition

Abstract

Goat's lactation ability is affected by its reproductive ability to produce kids. Doe's parturition is one of the most important considerations for goat's milk production sustainability. This research aimed to determine the estrous characteristics in lactating Saanen Ettawah Crossbred (SAPERA) on different parturition. Forty-eight SAPERA does with body condition score ±3 on natural estrous cycle were used in this study. The does were divided into 3 groups based on parturition amount (parturition 1; parturition 2; parturition >3). This research was administered under similar condition and management in a traditional milking goat farm at Turi District, Yogyakarta. The collected data were scoring of vaginal characteristics (reddening vulva, mucus discharge and swollen vulva); mucus pH value; and vaginal temperature. The pH value and vaginal temperature were also used to determine the estrous phase of does. The data were analysed using a completely randomized design (CRD) continued with Post-hoc (LSD). The result of vaginal characteristics and temperature were significantly different (P<0.05). It tended to decrease following the increase of parturition. The vaginal temperature in the parturition 1, 2 and 3 groups were 38. 49±0.50, 38.24±0.42, and 38.69±0.31, respectively. The pH mucus did not differ significantly between parturition groups. In conclusion, the estrous characteristics in lactating SAPERA does were affected by parturition. However, it still needs further study.

Relationship between parturition and body condition score on estrus expression of tropical Saanen Crossbred does

“…This study used 18 non-pregnant Saanen Crossbreds chosen based on the number of parturition [4], and BCS in the range of 2.5 and 3. The determination of BCS of doe is carried out with a scoring range of 1 to 5 [14].…”

“…Observed characteristics of estrus including color (reddening of vulva), swelling of vulva, and mucus secretions [12]. The estrus characteristic score used is 1 -3 based on previous research [4,5]. Observations were also made on the pH of the vaginal mucus using pH paper (MQuant, Germany) [13], vaginal temperature (°C) [4], and salivary ferning [5].…”

“…Estrus expression was known to be associated with estrogen hormone level [12]. Some method of estrus detection were visual observation of estrus response [4], vaginal smear [13], and a new breakthrough from previous study which was salivary fern pattern [5]. Present study is needed to highlight how parturition and body condition score affect the estrus expression of Saanen Crossbred does that determined using estrus observation and salivary fern pattern.…”

“…Reproductive performance such as estrus expression is a major factor affecting the productivity of dairy goat such as milk production [3]. Estrus expression in goats can be observed through the estrus response consisting of reddening of vulva, swollen of vulva, vaginal mucus secretions, mucus pH, vaginal temperature [4], and observations on salivary fern patterns [5].…”

“…Parturition is the process of expelling a fetus that has grown completely in the normal gestational period which increases with age in livestock [6]. Parturition were known to be associated with the nutrient availability which is used to support the next reproduction ability [4]. Body condition score (BCS) is a grading system used to measure goat body fat [7], which has a relationship with the fertility function of the does, pregnancy, partus, and the length of the lactation period [8].…”