Enhancing the Productivity of Galla Goats (Capra Hircus) Using Estrus Synchronization and Controlled Mating in Kenyan’s Southern Rangelands

Abstract

This study aimed to increase Galla goat (Capra hircus) productivity in the Southern rangelands of Kenya. This was achieved by synchronizing kidding with feed availability that boosts the survival of dams and kids, and reducing pro-longed kidding interval. The study site was at KALRO Kiboko research station in Makueni County. Out of the two hundred and two (202) Galla goats used in this study 195 were cycling does of between first and fourth parity and 7 were fertile breeding bucks. The objectives of the study were to assess the effectiveness of the use of hormone treatment and the buck effect on estrus response alongside its economic aspect. The study also assessed the mating ratio on Estrus synchronization (ES). Data collected on expression of estrus, conception rate, mating ratio and benefit - cost ratio was subjected to statistical analysis using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and IBM SPSS version 22 software of 2013. The least significant difference method (LSD) at 5% was used for mean comparison. Estrus response and the conception data analyzed, showed that there was significant difference (P˂ 0.05) between the hormone and the buck effect treatments. However, on estrus responses, statistically there was insignificant differences between the two treatments. The buck effect group and had higher estrus response of 90% than those administered with exogenous hormone 66.67% .The buck effect response on conception recorded 76.67% than the hormone treatment 20.69% one. The performance of the three Mating ratios; 1:10 .1:15 and 1:20, showed that there were no significant differences (P> 0.05) between them. The benefit-cost ratio analysis (BCR) showed estrus stimulation using the “buck effect” was more beneficial than the use of hormones on Galla Goat. The buck effect had a BCR of 1.38, while the hormone effect had a BCR of 0.25. Therefore, adopting of assisted reproductive techniques of using the “Back effect” may improve productivity in Galla goats and enhance their resilience in an ever-changing environment.