Effect of long and short-term progestagen treatments combined with PMSG and PGF2α on estrus synchronization in Iraqi goats during breeding season

The objective of this study was to evaluate long and short-term protocols of estrus synchronization and their impact on the fertility in Iraqi goats. This study was conducted in the college of veterinary medicine at Diyala Universityfor the duration extends from May- 2014 until November - 2014. The study included sixteen multiparous goats, these goats were allocated into two groups: Group I (short- term protoco),Group II (long-term protocol) treated with intravaginal sponges contain(20mg)cronolone(fluorogestone acetate) for 9 days for the Group I, and 12days for theGroup IIand injection (250µg) cloprostenol for both groups in day of insertion. The goats of two groups were injected (750 IU) PMSG before 24 hours of removal the vaginal sponges and placed with one mature buck. Estrus detection was done by visual inspection. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed trans-abdominally using a real-time ultrasound examination with a 3.5MHz sector transducer, whereas, the scan was performed at 40-50day after estrus (estrus day=day 0).No significant difference was observed in the interval between the ends of the estrus synchronization protocol and standing heat amongst the goats of two groups. Whereas all goats show estrus signs after 36-48 hours from withdrawal of intravaginalsponges. The number of pregnant goats in two groups was (10/16; 62.5 %) while the number of non-pregnant goats in both groups was (6/16; 37.5%) with significant difference between these two groups at (P<0.01). The number of pregnant goats in the short-term protocol and long-term protocol was (4/8; 50%) and (6/8; 75%), respectively, with significant difference between two groups at (P<0.01). Litter size was 300% and166.7% in the short term protocol and long term protocol, respectively, with significant difference between two rates at (P