Occurrence of oestrus in the Boer goat doe (Short communication)

Author: J.P.C. Greyling & C.H. van Niekerk
Year: 1987
Issue: 3
Volume: 17
Page: 147 - 149

Scrotal circumference in young beef bulls:  Relationships to growth traits The natural occurrence of oestrus in Boer goat does was recorded for the period 1980 – 1982. Although periods of complete anoestrus were never observed, it would appear that the doe is seasonally polyestrous, with an extended breeding season. The pattern of the seasonal occurrence of sexual activity in the Boer goat doe exhibited a peak in activity during April and May (autumn) and low activity from October through to January (late spring to mid-summer). Regarding sexual activity and daylight length, a significant (P<0,05) negative correlation (r = –0,654) was recorded in adult female goats. No significant correlation (r = –0,503) was recorded between ambient temperature and seasonal sexual activity, although there was a trend that higher sexual activity occurred during the cooler months. Body mass (mean 67,2 kg) in the adult female goat was not significantly correlated (r = 0,358) to sexual activity. The mean number of oestrus periods per doe per year was 11,7 ± 4,4 for Boer goat does not being mated that year. Natural breeding programmes during the year with Boer goat does must be executed taking into account this seasonal sexual activity.

 

 

Keywords: Boer goat, oestrous activity, season
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