The male effect stimulus positively increased the ovarian and reproductive seasonality in criollo goats irrespective of a controlled photoperiodic regime

Abstract

Present study evaluated the presence of a sexually active male buck upon the onset of reproductive activity and estrous cycle progression in Criollo goats exposed to a 6-month long controlled photoperiod in a range of 13.4- 10.6 light-hours per day. Mexican-native (Criollo) goats (n=10) were randomly assigned into 2 groups: (1) goats exposed to a male buck (n=5); (2) goats not exposed to a male buck (n=5). Blood samples were taken weekly to quantify serum-progesterone levels through radioimmunoanalysis. Male exposure increased luteal activity and estrous cycle progression reflected as a higher number of days in luteal activity (44±9.05 vs. 32.3±20.6); a reduced number of days in anestrous (4.0±4.8 vs. 51.9±28) and a greater number of luteal phases (15.7±4.4 vs. 11.3±8.7) without compromising serum progesterone levels (6.8±0.8 vs. 7.3±0.5). In conclusion, presence of a sexually active male induced a greater ovarian activity in Criollo goats, shortening seasonal anestrous irrespective of the controlled photoperiodic regime. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.