Estrous cycle length in the algerian arbia goat: exfoliative vaginal cytology and serum progesterone levels

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the estrous cycle length of the Algerian Arbia goat in Northern Algeria. For this, eighteen (18) Arbia goats, aged between 2 and 6 years, were used in our work that took place in the experimental farm of the Saad Dahlab University (Blida, Algeria). Blood samples were taken from each goat twice a week (at a 2 or 3-day interval) for 3 months. The serum progesterone concentration was determined by Radio-Immuno-Assay. Smears of the vaginal mucosa were taken at the same time as the blood samples. The predominance of superficial cells on the smear of the vaginal mucosa as well as a serum progesterone level less than 1 ng/mL expressed the return to estrous which was considered the beginning of a new cycle. A negative correlation was observed between the percentage of superficial cells (SC) and serum progesterone (P4) levels in all goats. Our results showed a significant difference (P25 days; with an average of 32.14±5.58 days), represented 14.9% of recorded cycles. Following these results, it can be concluded that the local goat in Northern Algeria had different types of cycles (normal, short, and long) with a large percentage of normal cycles.

Keywords

• arbia goat
• cycle length
• serum progesterone
• vaginal cytology smears