Prepartum and Postpartum Evaluation of Internal Genitalia of Red Sokoto Goat Does Using Digital Rectal Palpation Technique

Abstract

Study was aimed at determining prepartum and postpartum transrectal palpability of segments of internal genitalia of Red Sokoto Goat (RSG) does using digital rectal palpation technique. Weekly transrectal palpation of 50 does was performed prepartum for nine weeks using digital rectal palpation (DRP) technique with index finger to determine prepartum transrectal palpability. Transrectal measurement of width and length of genital segments was carried out on 26 does using DRP technique with index finger that had predetermined width and length. Twenty eight does that were cycling and with normal reproductive tract were selected and divided into artificial insemination (n = 14) and natural service (n = 14) groups indicating the method of breeding used. Body condition score (BCS) was measured. Determination of postpartum transrectal palpability and measurement of width and length of genital segments was performed on 26 does that kidded using DRP technique with index finger that had predetermined width and length. Evaluation was carried out on day 7, 14, 21 and 28 postpartum to palpate, measure genital segments and assess uterine involution. Length of index finger was 9.0 cm. Prepartum palpability of vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct and ovary was 449 (100%), 433 (96.4%), 401 (89.3%), 0 (0.0%) and 207 (46.2%), respectively. Detection of uterus and ovary decreased with increasing BCS with P < 0.05 association. Mean values for width and length of uterus was 2.67 ± 0.25 cm and 5.22 ± 0.49 cm, respectively. Postpartum palpability of vagina, cervix and uterus was 104 (100%) day 7, 14, 21 and 28. Width and length of uterus on day 28 postpartum was 2.70 ± 0.08 cm and 6.21 ± 0.60 cm, respectively. Conclusion: vagina, cervix, uterus and ovary were transrectally palpable prepartum and postpartum using DRP technique with index finger; postpartum width and length of uterus on day 28 indicate completion of postpartum uterine involution in RSG does.