**Reproduction in Goats**

**Reproduction in Goats**

Fernando Sánchez Dávila, Alejandro Sergio del Bosque González and Hugo Bernal Barragán del Bosque González and Hugo Bernal Barragán Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

Fernando Sánchez Dávila, Alejandro Sergio

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

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

#### **Abstract**

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 be described.

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.70003

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

#### **1. Introduction**

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

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© 2016 The Author(s). Licensee InTech. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons

the more goat is exploited at latitudes more distant from the equator, the breeding season will be shorter [2]. However, in latitudes nearer from the equator, the presence of estrus will depend on the availability of nutrients and the environment. On average, the goat's estrus cycle is 21 days, and the high frequency of short estrual cycle is characteristic and tends to occur at the beginning of the reproductive season and in young animals [1, 2]. The average duration of standing estrus is 36 hours but can range from 24 to 48 hours depending on age, breed, season, and presence of a male [3].
