EFFECTS OF SEASON, LIVE BODY WEIGHT AND Hb GENOTYPE ON UDDER MORPHOMETRY AND PROGESTERONE LEVELS AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF PREGNANCY IN GOATS

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of season, live weight and Hb genotype on udder morphometry and progesterone level at different stages of pregnancy in goats. A total of one hundred (100) pregnant does from two breeds of goats (50 each from Sahel and Red Sokoto) were sampled from the Maiduguri abattoir during two seasons (Cold dry and hot dry). Data on live weight, udder morphometry, Hb genotype and progesterone level were collected at different stages of pregnancy (36 – 75, 76 – 85 and >85 days of gestation). Results indicated similarities (p>0.05) among all variables measured during 36 – 75 days of gestation across different seasons, body live weights and Hb genotypes while, during 76 – 85 day, only live weight significantly (p<0.05) influenced progesterone level. Heavier animals had the higher value of 48.29ng/ml. At the latter stage of pregnancy (>85 days), Hb genotype significantly (p<0.05) influenced udder circumference with AA genotype having the highest (21.45cm) though not significantly difference from that of AB genotype. Hot dry season also recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher udder length (14.30 ± 0.57cm) and udder circumference (21.22 ± 0.86cm) compared to the cold season with corresponding values of 10.23 ± 0.58cm and 18.65 ± 0.88cm. It was concluded that season, live weight and Hb genotype had no effect on udder morphometry and progesterone level at early stages of gestation. However, the effects of these factors were noticed at the mid and late stages.