Out-of-Season Breeding

As you know, goats are considered seasonal breeders with some breeds more seasonal than others.  To read more on the effects of season on reproduction before proceeding please visit: http://www.extension.org/pages/19372/season-impacts-reproduction-influence-of-daylength

Specifically, the benefits of out-of-season breeding include:

• A consistent supply of milk and meat products
• Use of an accelerated kidding (three kiddings in two years) program
• Parturition at suitable timesto take advantage of;
  1. specific niche markets,
  2. feed supplies,
  3. labor, and
  4. rising price trends

However, increased cost of production, reduced fertility and an increase in pregnancy loss are all concerns of out-of-season breeding in goats. Although alternative synchronization methods are available during the breeding season, it is commonly accepted that inducing estrus during the non-breeding season requires the use of a hormone (progestogen and prostaglandin) or some form of manipulation of social or environmental inputs (i.e., the buck effect – lighting/photoperiod manipulation).  For more information on the use of progestogens and artificial lighting and melatonin please clink on the links below.    

CIDRs (controlled intravaginal drug-releasing devices) being inserted into a doe.  It conatins a progestagen and can be used for inducing estrus. *Extra-label drug use since it is only FDA-approved for use in sheep

Progestagen Use

Artificial Lighting and Melatonin

For more information on the different methods of estrus synchronization in goats please visit:

http://www.extension.org/pages/19331/goat-reproduction-estrous-synchronization

Keywords: Season, out of season breeding, progestagen, accelerated kidding

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