Comparative behavioural signs and physical manifestation of estrous in Nigeria breeds of goats

Abstract

Fourty (40) weaned female goat kids aged 3 - 4 months belonging to four local breeds of Nigerian goats (Bornu White, Sokoto Red, Kano Brown, and West African Dwarf) served as subjects. Ten (10) goats from each breed were used for this study. The parameter used were age aud weight at first estrus, signs and duration of estrus and length of estrous cycle over a period of two year. Vulva congestion, vulva secretion and tail wagging were to be the most consistent and highly noticeable estrus signs with a percentage of 80 - 100% in all the breeds. Mounting of other animals, frequent urination and searching for bucks were the most inconsistent behavioral estrus manifestations, with a percentage of 35 - 40% in all the breeds. The mean age at first estrous of 240.5 ± 5.0 days was observed to be the shortest and 405.1 ± 9.0 days the longest in Bornu White and West African Dwarf goats, respectively. The highest and lowest mean weight at first estrous was 28.6 ± 3.0 kg and 18.8 ± 2.0 kg in Bornu White and West African Dwarf goats, respectively. The duration of estrous as well as length of estrous cycle was 36.8 ± 4.0 hrs and 25.4 ± 2.0 days for Bornu White and 46.2 ± 5.5 hrs and 21 ± 2.0 days for West African Dwarf goats. The values of all the parameters obtained in Sokoto Red and Kano/Savannah Brown goats were between the values recorded for the Bornu White and West African Dwarf breeds. In conclusion, the comparative base-line data obtained in this study may be of value in predicting the onset of puberty and timing for breeding, diagnosis and control of impairment of estrous phenomena in local breeds of goats in Nigeria.