Endometrial echotexture parameters in Turkish Saanen Goats (Akkeci) during oestrus and early pregnancy

This experiment was conducted to evaluate endometrial echotexture in oestrus and early pregnancy and its association with ovarian hormones and foetal count in goats. Akkeci goats (Saanen×Kilis crossbreed, n=40) were randomly divided into two groups. Ten does (NAT) were mated on natural oestrus and 30 does (SYN) were subjected to synchronisation-prior to mating. The uterus was scanned on the days of sponge insertion (d -14), sponge removal (d -2) and mating (d 0) as well as 17 (d 17) and 30 (d 30) days after mating. Mean gray level (MGL), homogeneity (HOM) and contrast (CON) values were calculated. Blood samples were collected on days ultrasonography was performed. Data were analyzed by Chi-square, ANOVA, regression tests. HOM value reached the highest level on the mating day and then continuously decreased (P<0.0001). Overall, HOM values were greater for SYN does than for NAT does after mating. CON values were virtually stable during the experimental period. MGL value fluctuated during the breeding period (P<0.03) at a similar fashion in NAT and SYN does. Foetal count was not correlated with plasma hormones and echotexture parameters. Plasma progesterone concentration was correlated with echotexture parameters (r=-0.28 for HOM; r=0.29 for CON; r=0.25 for MGL; P<0.05 for all) during post-mating. In conclusion, echotexture parameters changed during the breeding period, in association with plasma progesterone concentration. Future studies should test if the echotextural changes during embryonic fixation days can be used as a marker for early detection of pregnancy in does.