Efficacy of intravaginal p4 sponges on oestrus synchronization and fertility with fixed-time artificial insemination in goats

Thirty healthy non-pregnant multiparous Osmanabadi and its cross goats were selected 45 days after kidding. Goats were randomly distributed into three groups (10 each) viz., Gr-I: P4 impregnated sponge + PGF2α (prostaglandin) + eCG (equine chorionic gonadotrophin), Gr-II: P4 impregnated sponge + eCG and Gr-III as control without any hormonal treatment. Animals in oestrus were inseminated with fresh liquid semen at 36 and 48 h. Out of 20 goats, sponge dropped in two goats (10%) and vaginitis was observed in four goats (20%). The onset of the oestrus period after withdrawal of sponges in Gr-I and II was 29.20±1.42 and 33.20±2.20 h and the oestrus period was 34.80±0.53 and 36.50±0.52 h, respectively. Oestrus response, pregnancy rate and kidding rate were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Gr-I (100, 70 and 70%) and in Gr-II (80, 40 and 40%), than Gr-III (20, 10 and 10%). It can be concluded that a combination of progesterone-impregnated sponge, PGF2α and eCG protocol augmented fertility rate in goats compared to progesterone and eCG protocol.