University:
Sam Houston State University
Course:
BIOL 1406 | General Biology I
Academic year:

2023
Views:

491

Pages:

16
Author:

larbiwxcvbn

Meat Goat Reproduction Weaning Traits of Boer Does (3 Matings) Dam ID 220 Litter Size, n 2.33 Litter Wt, lbs 100.27 217 Herd Avg Boer Avg 247 207 2.00 1.48 1.19 1.00 1.00 90.93 58.00 47.57 35.48 34.20 Goat Estrous Cycle • Anestrous – The time between breeding seasons when the doe is not coming into heat • Estrus – The time the doe is “in heat” • Metestrus – The time between heat periods when the doe is trying to become pregnant 2.5 Kids Born/ Doe Kidding 2 1.5 Surviving Kids per Doe Kidding 1 0.5 0 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June How Big is Big Enough? Kid doe body weight at mating (lb) First kidding% Average lifetime kidding% Below 40 2 48 40 – 44 21 70 44 – 51 32 72 51 – 55 55 79 55 – 60 78 82 60 – 70 81 86 Above 70 88 89 Nutrition and Reproduction • Flushing – Increasing nutritional plane by adding .5 lbs of corn or protein supplement for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after breeding increases pregnancy rate and litter size at birth. • Does in good body condition at breeding deliver more kids and have better kid survival rates. • Pregnancy toxemia Pregnancy Toxemia • Inadequate carbohydrates in diet in last trimester causes mother to metabolize her body fat. • By product is ketones which build up to toxic levels. • Doe carrying twins, carbo requirement increases to 180%, with triplets 240%. • Doe should gain ½ lb. day last trimester. Pregnancy Diagnosis • Can reduce costs, increase income, and maximize returns on available inputs. • Several possibilities, each with advantages and disadvantages. – Doppler Ultrasound – “A Mode” Ultrasound – Blood Hormone Assay Doppler Ultrasound • Expensive to purchase. • Delicate and only somewhat portable. • Requires extensive training and practice to use accurately. •Accurate and early results. •Use with multiple species and multiple functions. •May show number of fetuses. •Slower to operate accurately. Ultrasound of 55 day Pregnancy “A Mode” Ultrasound •Inexpensive to purchase and operate •Purchase preset for one type of animal. •Quickly operate successfully. •Accurate at 30 to 40 days. •Audio tones. Can not tell how many kids are present. •Tough and easily portable. Blood Chemical Assay • BioPRYN – Measures the amount of a very specific protein, released from the plancenta, present in the maternal blood. • Accurate at 26 days • 95% accurate • Samples received in lab by Wednesday are reported Friday • Cost is $7.50/test + supplies and shipping Assisted Reproduction •Artificial Insemination •Embryo Transfer Valuable tool for increasing the impact of outstanding genetics, but also require increased management, cost, and risk. Buck Breeding Soundness Examination •Not so much to identify sterile males as to identify marginally fertile males. •Late kidding, low conception rates and small litter sizes cost big dollars. (Especially since goats are seasonal breeders and goat markets are seasonal) Breeding Soundness Exam • Evaluation of semen sample – Semen volume and concentration – Correct morphology – Motility • Physical examination for ability to breed – Reproductive system – Musculoskeletal system • Libido determination must be made from observations over time.