The present study was aimed at determining the effect of dose level of prostaglandin on estrus response in Sokoto Red Goats (SRG) and West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Estrumate® (a prostanglandin analogue) was administered by intramuscular injection to thirty does (15 animals per breed) at three dose levels (0.25ml, 0.50ml and 0.75ml). Results showed that dose level influenced the proportion of animals that responded to Estrumate® in the two breeds. Results further showed marked difference in the estrus response between WAD and SRG at 0.25ml Estrumate® dose level (60 against 40% respectively). There was also breed difference in overall response (87 and 80% for WAD and SRG does, respectively). Time interval between Estrumate® administration and onset of heat ranged from 48-72 hours. Dose level influenced interval between Estrumate® administration and onset of heat in WAD goats. Dose levels of 0.50 and 0.75ml hastened the onset of heat (48-54hrs after injection) and shortened within breed variation compared to dose level of 0.25 ml (60-72 hrs after injection). Pearson correlation showed strong associations among levels of Estrumate® administration, time before the onset of heat and the number of does that showed estrus in both West African Dwarf and Sokoto Red goats. It was concluded from the study that 0.50ml of Estrumate® can be used to achieve a satisfactory estrus synchronization in both SRG and WAD does.
Key words: Estrumate®, Estrus, Red Sokoto goat, West African Dwarf, Correlation
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