Biometrical Changes in Reproductive Tract of Arbia Goats According to Age, Body Condition, and Pregnancy

Background: Improved reproduction requires understanding the biometry of goats’ female reproductive system. Objectives: The present study was conducted to record the biometry of the female genital organs of the Arabia (Arbia) goats in Algeria according to age, body condition score, and pregnancy.Methods: A total of ۱۴۹ reproductive tracts (from ۸۰.۵۴% non-pregnant and ۱۹.۴۶% pregnant goats) from three slaughterhouses were collected and measured. Each organ’s length, width, thickness, and weight were measured using slide calipers and an electric weighing balance. The ages of the fetuses in pregnant goats were determined by measuring their crown-rump length. Analysis was carried out using SPSS software, version ۲۱.Results: The reproductive tract dimensions increase with age, body condition score, and stages of pregnancy. The left ovary’s weight, length, and width showed very significant (P<۰.۰۰۱) increases across age. The measurements of the uterine horn (except thickness) increased significantly (P<۰.۰۰۱) with age. The fallopian tube, the uterine body, and the cervix measures showed significant increases (P<۰.۰۰۱) between the first and third age groups. The ovary and the uterine body dimensions showed highly significant (P<۰.۰۰۱) increases across body condition scores. Pregnancy had no significant effect on the ovary and cervix dimensions. The uterine horn measurements showed significant increases (P<۰.۰۵) throughout gestation, and those of the uterine body showed highly significant increases (P<۰.۰۰۱) along the pregnancy stages.Conclusion: This study will provide baseline information on the morphology of the female Arbia breed reproductive system.

Keywords:

age , Arbia , Goat , Morphometry , pregnancy