Abstract:
This study evaluated the applicability of the Day 0 superovulation protocol in Boer goats by comparing
it to a traditional pFSH protocol. Twenty Boer goat does were allocated into two groups comprising
of 10 animals per group. For the Day 0 protocol, does oestrous cycles were synchronized for 9 days and
superovulated with pFSH starting 84 h after the termination of progesterone treatment. For the traditional
pFSH protocol, the oestrous cycle of does was synchronized for 9 days, followed by superovulation with
pFSH initiated 48 h before CIDR withdrawal. For both groups does had two timed cervical inseminations
with fresh undiluted semen. Embryos from both groups were flushed on day 6 following AI. The response
to superovulation did not differ significantly between treatments but a tendency (P = 0.06) was found
for both fertilization and number of unfertilized ova in favour of the Day 0 protocol. The number of
follicles 2–3 mm, 4–5 mm and total number offollicles atthe beginning of a superovulation treatment was
positively correlated to the total number of structures and embryos recovered. It is therefore concluded
that the Day 0 protocol can be used for superovulation in Boer goat does however, more studies with
large number of animals are recommended to ascertain its benefits. The correlation results suggest that
the response to superovulation and quality of embryos recovered could be more determine by the size
and number of follicles at the beginning of a superovulation treatment.
