CONTROL OF THE SEXUAL ACTIVITY OF GOATS WITHOUT EXOGENOUS HORMONES: USE OF PHOTOPERIOD, MALE EFFECT AND NUTRITION

Abstract

Some breed of goats originating or adapted to subtropical latitudes display large seasonal variations of their sexual and/or reproductive activity. This seasonality causes a seasonality of milk, cheese and meat production. To solve this problem it is necessary to have a deep knowledge of the annual sexual activity of animals and to identify the environmental factor controlling the timing of the annual reproductive cycle. In this review we will describe our approach to develop sustainable techniques to control reproductive activity in goats from subtropical Mexico: 1) The characteristics of the annual breeding season in both male and female goats were determined; 2) Photoperiod was identified as the major environmental factor controlling the timing of the annual breeding season; 3) Photoperiod treatments were used to stimulate the sexual activity of bucks during the non-breeding season; 4) Male goats rendered sexually active were used to induce and synchronize the estrous behavior and ovulatory activity of anestrous does in confined or grazing conditions by the male effect; 5) We determined that nutritional supplementation during the male effect improves the reproductive response of females exposed to the sexually active males. These results constitute an original manner to control the reproductive activity of goats using photoperiod, the male effect and nutrition.