Exfoliative vaginal cytology of surti goats during induced oestrus

A study was conducted to assess the exfoliative vaginal cytology pattern during pro-oestrus, oestrus and post-oestrus under different oestrus induction protocols and its utility for ascertaining oestrus in goats. In June, 2018, 30 non-pregnant Surti does were randomly divided into five groups (6 in each). Animals in G1 were implanted with 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate intravaginal sponges for 11 days. Animals in G2 and G3 received same hormonal implant for 11 days along with the exposure of sexually active apronized buck in G2 and intramuscular injection of 125 |jg cloprostenol at sponge removal in G3. Animals in G4 were teased with a sexually active apronized buck for 11 days. Animals in G5 group were kept as control. Exfoliative vaginal cytology profile was investigated by vaginal smears using swab method. Vaginal cytology profile showed that the proportion of superficial cells dominated (p<0.01) in pro-oestrus phase in all the groups. Predominance of cornified cells (p<0.01) and intermediate cells were observed during oestrus and post-oestrus stages, respectively. It was concluded that the exfoliative vaginal cytology can be used for ascertaining oestrus and may assist in efficient breeding management in case the signs of oestrus are subtle in goats.