Article

Anim Biosci. 2025; 38(6): 1140-1149.

Published online November 6, 2024.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.24.0578

Influence of hormonal treatments on progesterone levels to enhance embryo survival and kidding rates in goats

Manita Wittayarat1 , Navapol Kupthammasan1 , Hakim Jehdo2 , Ratree Jintana3 , Sopita Suttikrai3 , Niraporn Tongkumtae4 , Nantarat Chutijiratthitkan1 , Pokchon Khirilak1 , Sirirat Norsoongnern2 , Supitcha Kaewma1 , Chaiyawan Wattanachant2,5 , and Saritvich Panyaboriban1,6
1Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
2Small Ruminant Research and Development Center, Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
3Research and Development Center for Livestock Production Technology, Animal Hospital and Student Training Center, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
4Songkhla Artificial Insemination and Biotechnology Research Center, Department of Livestock Development, Songkhla, Thailand
5Animal Production Innovation and Management Division, Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
6Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Corresponding Author: Email: Saritvich.p@chula.ac.th
Received August 15, 2024;    Accepted October 22, 2024.
Abstract
Objective
This study investigated the efficiency of different estrous synchronization programs and hormonal treatments in improving reproductive outcomes in goats. Conducted on a commercial farm in southern Thailand, the study used multiparous Shami and Anglo-Nubian breed goats.
Methods
In experiment 1, goats were randomly allocated to two estrous synchronization treatments: 11-day (CI11D) and 13-day (CI13D) intravaginal progesterone implants, followed by artificial insemination (AI) with frozen-thawed semen. Various hormonal treatments (human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG], gonadotropin-releasing hormone [GnRH] analogue, progestogen) were administered on day 5 post-AI to elevate progesterone levels. Experiment 2 assessed embryo survival after transferring early- and late-stage embryos, using GnRH analogue to increase progesterone levels in the recipient goats.
Results
Results showed that GnRH analogue significantly increased pregnancy rates, kidding rates, and the number of kids born in the CI13D group. Progesterone levels were higher in treated groups, particularly with GnRH analogue, though estradiol levels varied between synchronization protocols. Late-stage embryo transfers significantly improved pregnancy rates and reduced embryonic loss compared to early-stage transfers. GnRH analogue supplementation reduced early embryonic mortality, enhancing embryo survival and overall reproductive performance.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the efficacy of tailored estrous synchronization and hormonal treatments in optimizing goat reproductive outcomes, with significant implications for improving fertility management in commercial goat farming. Although no significant differences were observed in progesterone levels, the administration of GnRH analogue reduced early embryonic mortality and improved reproductive outcomes, demonstrating its potential to enhance embryo survival and reproductive performance in goats.
Keywords : Embryo Transfer; Fertility; Goat; Hormonal Treatments; Progesterone; Reproductive Outcomes