Digital rectal palpation: a technique for gynaecological examination, pregnancy diagnosis and ageing in Red Sokoto Goat

Abstract

The study aimed at palpation of different segments of internal genitalia and carry out comparative pregnancy diagnose and ageing using digital rectal palpation (DRP) technique and ultrasonography (US) in Red Sokoto goat does. Does were randomly assigned to three groups of A (prostaglandin F2-alpha; n = 17), B (progesterone pessaries; n = 17) and C (control; n =17). Oestrus was synchronised with prostaglandin F2-alpha, double injection, 12-days apart; and progesterone pessaries, intravaginal for 12 days. No treatment for control. Apronised bucks (6) and visual observation were employed in oestrus detection. Breeding was by natural service (3 bucks) using hand-mating. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on days 21, 49, 77 and 105 using DRP and US for groups A, B and C. Results showed vagina (100%), cervix (100%), uterus (100%) and ovary (55%) were detected in non-pregnant does. Pregnancy rates for day 21 were: 52.9 %, 35.3 % and 35.3 % (DRP); 41.2 %, 17.6 % and 17.6 % (US); day 49 were 58.8 %, 29.4 % and 29.4 % (DRP); 58.8 %, 29.4 % and 29.4 % (US); day 77 were 82.4%, 58.8 % and 52.9 % (DRP); 82.4%, 58.8 % and 52.9 % (US); and day 105 were 88.2%, 76.5 % and 64.7 % (DRP); 88.2%, 76.5 % and 64.7 % (US) for groups A, B and C, respectively. There was significant (P < 0.05) difference between US and DRP on day 21 in group B and C. It was concluded that digital rectal palpation technique detected segments of internal genitalia, diagnosed and aged pregnancy on day 21, 49, 77 and 105 post-breeding in Red Sokoto goat does and may be useful in the field.