Reproductive evaluation of bucks (Capra hircus L.) with usual management in herds from Benito Juarez, Guerrero, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the reproductive characteristics of male goats with habitual management in herds of the Benito Juarez municipality, Guerrero.

Design/methodology/approach: In the study 10 male Creole goats were used from 7 herds, aged between 2 to 7 years and body condition (BC) from 2 to 3. The males were evaluated for sexual behavior, sperm quality, physical examination and clinical reproductive evaluation.

Results: In the study it was found that the 100% of the male goats displayed sexual behavior (P<0.05). However, it was observed that in the males of 3 herds the sexual behavior was lower (P<0.05). From the 10 electroejaculated males, 20% ejaculated and 80% didn’t (P<0.05); of the males that ejaculated, a sperm concentration of 224 x 106 and 16 x 106 sperm/mL was found for the first and second male. Finally, the physical and clinical reproductive evaluation was in accordance with the parameters established for the species.

Study limitations/implications: Under the conditions in which the study was carried out, it wasn’t possible to have the males in the same conditions of age and reproductive characteristics. However, this allows information obtained at the field level so the producers can apply it to improve their herds.

Findings/conclusions: Under the particular conditions in which the present study was carried out, male goats from herds of the Benito Juarez municipality present an intense sexual behavior, but low sperm characteristics according to what is established for the goat species.