Open AccessReproductive Management of the Male Goat: A Review
Author(s) -
Said Cadena-Villegas,
Antonio Hernández-Marín,
Jaime GallegosSánchez,
Carlos G. Germán Alarcón,
Ponciano Pérez-Hernández
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
agro productividad
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2594-0252
DOI - 10.32854/agrop.v14i8.2102
Subject(s) - sire , herd , fertility , reproduction , livestock , biology , libido , microbiology and biotechnology , zoology , medicine , ecology , environmental health , population , endocrinology
Objective: To describe the factors affecting male goat (buck) reproduction and the selection and management strategies to improve their reproductive efficiency.Design/Methodology/Approach: By reviewing published information, the main factors that affect the reproductive capacity of bucks and some management strategies for their reduction were described. Emphasis was on the evaluation of seminal quality, libido, and the selection of sires to be used in the herd.Results: Proper sire diet reduces age at puberty and improves testicular and seminal characteristics, as well as sexual behavior. The effect of seasonality can be improved by using melatonin implants and adequate nutrition.Study Limitations/Implications: In goat production systems, bucks are important for the production of quality livestock and the products and byproducts from this species. Understanding the impact of environmental factors such as nutrition, seasonality, and physiological processes on the reproductive capacity of bucks promotes the establishment of management strategies to better understand what is important when selecting sires as sperm donors to improve product quality and to obtain greater herd production.Findings/Conclusions: Adequate sire nutrition improves herd fertility. Seasonal reproduction affects the reproductive capacity of sires as sperm donors, yet there are management alternatives to reduce such seasonal effects on their reproductive performance.