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ABSTRACT
The aim was to evaluate the effects of breeding season on progesterone concentrations and blood chemistry at different stages of pregnancy in normal breeding (NB) or out-of-season breeding (OB) in goats. In total, 44 multiparous Baladi goats were monitored for seasonal breeding, either NB group or OB group. Blood samples were collected on days 40 (early), 90 (mid) and 120 (late) of the gestation. In the early pregnancy and mid-pregnancy, the NB group had significantly higher serum progesterone level than the OB group (P=0.003 and 0.020, respectively). However, no significant variation was reported in the serum progesterone level in the late stage of pregnancy (P=0.519). Although no significant differences were reported in the serum total proteins between both breeding groups, the NB group had significantly higher serum albumin than the OB group at the mid (P=0.045) and late (P=0.031) stages of pregnancy. Compared to the OB group, the NB group had significantly higher serum cholesterol at the early (P=0.001) and mid (P=0.004) stages of pregnancy. In conclusion, the NB group showed significantly higher progesterone levels in the early and mid stages of gestation compared with the OB group. This may indicate specific strategies to maintain the pregnancy in goats during the non-breeding season.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.