The Male Effect on Seasonally Anestrus Boer Does

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2014-05-09

Authors

Wyatt, Jennifer Lynn

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine if a male’s presence had any effect on ovarian activity in Boer does and yearling does during summer anestrus. The buck’s presence on first service conception rates was also recorded. Blood was collected from 17 mature Boer does and 9 yearling does via jugular venipuncture twice weekly from June 13, 2013 to August 22, 2013. Blood progesterone levels were assessed by the New Mexico State University Endocrinology Lab. After the collection period, females were turned out with a fertile buck for two cycles. Thirty five days following the second cycle, pregnancy was determined using ultrasound. It was concluded that introducing a buck prior to the breeding season is a viable method to stimulate anestrus does to begin cycling.

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