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Pregnancy diagnosis in Thai native goats
B J Restall1, J T Milton, P Klong-yutti
1The Goat Research and Development Centre, North Coast Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Agriculture, Wollongbar, NSW, 2480, Australia.
Theriogenology
|August 1, 1990
Summary
A new progesterone assay accurately detects pregnancy in Thai goats (96.2%), outperforming traditional methods. This field-friendly technique is valuable for remote goat breeding programs lacking lab access.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Animal Husbandry
Background:
- Accurate pregnancy diagnosis is crucial for efficient goat breeding management.
- Traditional methods like returns to service can be unreliable, leading to management errors.
- Field-applicable diagnostic tools are needed, especially in resource-limited settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a progesterone assay for pregnancy diagnosis in native Thai goats.
- To compare the accuracy of progesterone assay with traditional methods and ultrasonic imaging.
- To determine the utility of this assay in field conditions without laboratory access.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of Thai goats were mated in October (n=116) and March (n=37).
- Plasma progesterone levels were measured at 7-day intervals post-mating using a commercial assay kit.
- A discriminatory progesterone threshold of 2 ng/ml was established to differentiate pregnant from non-pregnant does.
Main Results:
- The progesterone assay achieved 96.2% accuracy in pregnancy diagnosis.
- Returns to service were inaccurate, misclassifying 36.5% of pregnant does.
- Real-time ultrasonic imaging showed 100% accuracy for pregnancy detection but poor twin detection.
Conclusions:
- Progesterone level assay is a reliable and accurate method for pregnancy diagnosis in Thai goats.
- This method is superior to returns to service and practical for field use, especially when mating dates are unknown.
- The technique offers a valuable tool for reproductive management in remote or resource-limited goat farming operations.
