Pregnancy Related Sequential Changes of the Foetal Fluids And Foetal Positioning in Sahel Goats

Abstract

A study on pregnancy related, and sequential, changes in the Sahel goat foetal fluid and foetal disposition at various stages of pregnancy was
undertaken to provide basic data in these aspects of gestation in goats. Twenty five pregnant Sahel goats of known pregnancy stages, and managed under controlled conditions were used for this study. Thirty
three foetuses were obtained from these pregnancies of which 18 (54.5%) were females and 15 (45.5%) were males; 17 (68%) had single foetus,
8(32%) twin foetuses. Transuterine migration was 23.53% in single and 37.5% in twin pregnancies. The foetal fluid changes showed that the volume of the amniotic fluid increased from day 28 (21.0 ± 0.33 ml)
of gestation to day 112 (500 ± 15.81 ml) and then dropped onwards up to day 140 (220 ± 10.80 ml). Conversely, the allantoic fluid (25.5 ± 2.00 ml at 28d to 735.0 ± 17.08 ml at 140d) continued to increase in volume throughout pregnancy. The volume, colour, consistency and pH changed with increase in gestation period. The specific gravity of the amniotic
fluid increased with advancing pregnancy. The results of this study suggest that urine enters first into amniotic cavity and then into the allantoic cavity
by 112d pregnancy in goats. The present study also provided a guide to be used in assessing the volume and consistencies of foetal fluids in goats and the intrauterine positioning of foetuses as a measure to monitor and manage pregnant Sahel does.

KEY WORDS: fluids, foetal, position, Sahel goat,
sequential.