Activity monitoring as a potential method of estrous detection in dairy goats
The activity of dairy goats was monitored to determine if this might be a simple yet effective method of detecting estrus. Earlier work with dairy cattle has indicated activity monitoring to be an effective estrous detection method (Kiddy, 1977). The activity of 40 goats in loose housing at two separate locations was monitored. Breeds included Saanen, Nubian, Toggenburg, La Mancha and Alpine. Pedometers encased in a plastic housing with a clear plexiglass window were attached to the neckchains of the goats. Readings were taken at 12 hour intervals to detect any possible variation between estrous and diestrous activity during both the daytime and nighttime periods. Preliminary data from nine mature does indicate a mean proportional increase of 2.74 in estrous over diestrous activity during the nighttime period. Daytime activity during estrus also showed a mean increase of 2.96 times that of diestrous activity. Although the data are preliminary, the results seem to indicate that dairy goats show an increase in activity during estrus. A comparison of the efficacy of this method in relation to other methods of estrous detection is earranted. A comparison of the variation in activity between mature does and doe kids will also be made. This method may be a potentially useful aid in detecting estrus in dairy goats. It may prove to be especially useful for inexperienced managers, for small-scale operations that do not have a buck on the premises, or for does that are problem breeders
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Texto biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
Scottsdale, AZ (EUA)
1982
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