The effect of synchronization process applied at different durations on reproductive criteria and growth performance of their kids in Alpine and Saanen goats

The present study was conducted to determine the reproductive performance of goats and developmental performance of kids based on the duration of vaginal sponge retention used for estrus synchronization in goats. Progesterone-impregnated sponges were retained in the vagina for three different durations: 11, 13 and 15 days, to form three treatment groups. Following estrus synchronization, births occurred over approximately two weeks. Reproductive performance was assessed using parameters such as pregnancy rate, kidding rate, fertility and type of birth while growth performance of kids was evaluated through live weight measurements, taken twice a week. The estrus rate in Alpine and Saanen goats was 100.00% for both breeds. The pregnancy rates were 82.00%, 88.46%, and the kidding rates were 70.00%, 76.92%, respectivel, while the infertility rates were 18.00%, 11.54%. The rates of single birth were 22.86%, 25.00%; twin births 54.29%, 25.00%; triplet births 22.86%, 40.00% and quadruplet births 0.00%, 10.00% for Alipne and Saanen goats, respectively. The kid yield was 2.00, 2.35 and fertility was calculated as 1.40 and 1.81, respectively. The birth weight of Alpine race kids is 3.93 kg and 3.70 kg for males and females, respectively; The birth weight of Saanen kids was found to be 3.43 kg and 2.91 kg for males and females, respectively. Birth weight in Alpine and Saanen kids was found to be statistically significant based on breed and sex (P<0.001). In conclusion, the study demonstrated that varying the duration of vaginal sponge application did not significantly impact the animals. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the application period maxsimum of 11 days. Keywords: Alpine, Saanen, Estrus, Growth Performance, Synchronization