چکیده (انگلیسی):

This review is aimed at providing information on current status of oestrus synchronization
as a management tool in goats in Nigeria. Oestrus synchronisation is a reproductive tool
that enables goat farmers breed their animals within a short pre-determined period. The
principle of oestrus synchronisation is chiefly the control of the luteal phase of the
oestrous cycle and two basic mechanisms are employed. These include the use of
prostaglandins or its analogues to shorten luteal life/induce premature luteolysis or the use
of exogenous progesterone to prolong luteal life, thereby simulating the activity of natural
progesterone produced by the corpus luteum. The latter is advantageous where the
reproductive status of the flock is unknown. However, the former is easy to apply and
only effective in cycling animals. Pharmaceutical products that have been employed in
ES protocols in Nigeria include Lutalyse®, Estrumate®, EstroPLAN®, Fluorogestone
acetate®, Sil-Oestrus®, Medroxyl-progesterone acetate®, Synchromate-B®, PMSG®, and
more recently, the Controlled Internal Drug Release® (CIDR) devices. Over the last three
decades, many attempts have been made at assessing the response of goats to various
oestrus synchronisation agents and protocols in Nigeria. However, the low availability of
these pharmaceutical agents and cost preclude the widespread use of oestrus synchronisation
technique in goat production. The inclusion of gonadotrophins in oestrus synchronisation
protocols have been reported to improve oestrus responses in goats, while
season has been reported to influence the efficiency of oestrus synchronisation programmes.
Increasing the dose levels of exogenous hormones in oestrus synchronisation
protocols has caused variable and sometimes inconsistent effects. The effects of
combining the male stimulus with exogenous hormones, seasonal variation, extra-label
use of products and short-term nutritional manipulation on oestrus responses in goats
require further evaluation. It is concluded adoption of oestrus synchronisation practice
portends enhanced goat production in Nigeria.