Use of ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis in red Sokoto goats

Abstract

The present study was conducted to diagnose pregnancy 30 days following estrus synchronization and natural mating using transabdominal ultrasonography and to compare the traditional use of non return rates of estrus with pregnancy diagnosis by day 30 using transabdominal ultrasonography in “Red Sokoto goats” of Nigeria. Forty nine (n=49) Red Sokoto does were treated with fluorogestone acetate sponges (FGA-30) for 15 days. At the end of progestagen treatment, does received i.m 200 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) concurrent with progestagen removal. Does were mated naturally using proven sexually active bucks in the ratio 1 buck to 10 does. Measurement of non-return rates of estrus was evaluated 21 to 30 days following estrus and natural mating. Pregnancy rate was determined on day 30 following estrus and natural mating using a real time B-mode ultrasound scanner equipped with a 3.5 MHz probe. Non return rate of estrus (conception) was compared with pregnancy rate using ultrasonography. Conception rate by measurement of non return rate of estrus by day 30 was 87.7 % (43/49). An 85.7 % (42/49) pregnancy rate was obtained at day 30 of gestation using ultrasonography. Conceptus in pregnancy fluid was visible in 100% cases between 30 and 35 days of gestation.  From the knowledge of the authors, this is the first report of pregnancy diagnosis using ultrasonography in Red Sokoto goats of Nigeria.