Ovarian response to oestrous synchronization protocol based on use of reduced doses of cloprostenol in cyclic goats

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of two reduced doses vs a high/luteolytic dose of cloprostenol on luteolytic activity and synchronization of oestrus in cyclic goats. Experiment 1, included 24 goats randomly allocated to three groups: control group (group H) received a single high dose of cloprostenol (87.5 μg; 1.0 ml; i.m.) and M and L groups, which received half (43.75 μg; 0.5 ml) and a third (26.25 μg; 0.3 ml) of the highest dose, respectively. Experiment 2, included 24 goats randomly assigned to the same experimental groups. Each group was treated using two injections of cloprostenol administered 10 days apart to synchronize oestrus. Transrectal ultrasonographic scanning (US) was performed to detect the presence, size and development of corpora lutea and ovarian follicles. Furthermore, detection of oestrus was performed every 12 h between 24 and 72 h after the second injection of cloprostenol, and the luteolytic effect was verified by US. In Experiment 1, all goats that had corpora lutea at timing of treatment regressed their corpora lutea. In Experiment 2, the occurrence of oestrus and the interval between treatment to onset of oestrus were: 100%, 49.5 ± 3.0 h; 100%, 51.0 ± 3.0 h; and 75%, 56.0 ± 3.5 h for H, M and L groups, respectively. The development of preovulatory follicles and occurrence of subsequent corpora lutea were similar among groups. In summary, the use of 26.25 μg of cloprostenol is effective for the synchronization of oestrus in cyclic goats.