**Reproduction**

[16] Sargison ND, West DM, Clark RG. An investigation of the possible effects of subclinical iodine deficiency on ewes fertility and perinatal lamb mortality. New Zealand Veterinary

[17] Venkatesh Mannar MG, Pandav CS. In: Pandav CS, Rao AR, editors. Iodine Deficiency

[18] National Research Council. Mineral Tolerance of Animals. 2nd ed. Washington, DC: The

[19] National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Goats. Washington, DC: National

Disorders in Livestock. New Delhi: Oxford University Press; 1997. p. 233

Journal. 1997;**45**:208-211

84 Goat Science

National Academies; 2005

Academy Press; 1981

**Chapter 5**

**Provisional chapter**

**Reproduction in Goats**

**Reproduction in Goats**

Alejandro Sergio del Bosque González and

Fernando Sánchez Dávila, Alejandro Sergio del Bosque González and Hugo Bernal

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.70003

Reproductive activity of the goat begins when the females reach puberty, which happens at 5 months of age. The ovarian or estrous cycle is the period between two consecutive estrus. It is also the time that lasts the development of the follicle in the ovary, until rupture occurs and ovulation takes place, which coincides with the appearance of estrus. This chapter will describe the physiological and endocrinological bases of estrus in the goat. Likewise, factors affecting the presence of estrus and ovulation will be described. At another point, synchronization of estrus and ovulation, factors affecting the presence of estrus and external symptoms of estrus, will be described. To achieve synchronization of estrus or induction of ovulation within or outside the breeding season, it may be necessary to manage light hours, male effect, and/or use of hormones. The importance of artificial insemination is described, as well as the current situation of this technique worldwide. Currently, the techniques of artificial insemination in goats have been limited worldwide, due to the lack of resources of producers and trained technicians. The techniques of artificial insemination with estrous synchronization programs and ovulation with current research results will

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

© 2016 The Author(s). Licensee InTech. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution,

© 2018 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use,

distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Since its domestication, the goat has been characterized by being seasonal polyestrous, that is, during certain times of the year, it reproduces naturally. This characteristic varies mainly according to the hours of daylight (photoperiod), rasse, and nutrition [1]. It is mentioned that

**Keywords:** goats reproduction, estrual cycle, estrous synchronization, artificial

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.70003

Fernando Sánchez Dávila,

Hugo Bernal Barragán

**Abstract**

be described.

insemination

**1. Introduction**

Barragán

**Chapter 5**

**Provisional chapter**
