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The object of present Investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of
prostaglandin-PMSG combination treatment at different dose levels in order to
enhance the fertility and prolificacy of Malabari does. The material used for the
study consisted of 48 cycling nulliparous Malabari does of eight to ten months age
and body weight 18 to 20 kg, belonging to Kerala Agricultural University Goat
farm, Mannuthy. All the experimental does were administered with two doses of
cloprostenol (SYNCHROMATE) at the rate of O.Sml intramuscularly 11 days
apart. One day prior to the second prostaglandin administration the does were
randomly divided into four groups viz. Group I, Il, III and IV with 12 in each
group. On the same day group I, 11 and III were administered PMSG (FOLLIGON)
intramuscularly at the rate of 200, 400 and 600 IU respectively. Group IV was
maintained as control with the prostaglandin treatment alone.
After the second dose of prostaglandin all does in group I, 11 and III
(100%) showed oestrus and in group IV only 11 does (91.67%) exhibited oestrus.
The mean time taken for onset of oestrus in group I, Il, III and IV was 28.00±2.70,
30.00±4.31, 24.00, 43.64±4.36 h respectively. Group IV was significantly different
from prostaglandin-PMSG group I, II and III (P < 0.01). The mean duration of
oestrus in group I, 11, III and IV was 84.00±6.94, 64.00±7.44, 86.00±7.S2 and
34.91±4.97 h respectively. Group IV was significantly different from group I, Il
andIlI (P

Mean intensity oestrus score was 11.50±0.49, 12.25±0.33, 14.25±0.72
and 8.82±1.59 respectively in group I, 11, III and IV. Group IV was statistically
significant from group I, II and III (P < 0.0 l). All prostaglandin-PMSG treated
does exhibited common oestrus signs like wagging of tail, standing to be mounted,
vulval redness, vulval oedema and vulval discharge whereas in control group only
wagging of tail, vulval redness and vulval oedema noticed. The percentage of
conception rate in group I, 11, III and IV was 41.67, 50.00, 33.33 and 45.45
respectively. In prostaglandin-PMSG groups I, 11 and III mean litter size was
1.60±0.25, 1.50±0.43 and 1.50±0.65 respectively but in group IV the same was
1.20±0.20. There was no significant difference between the groups in litter size.
However, more litter size with twins and triplets was noticed in prostaglandin-
PMSG groups than the control group.
In group I, 11 and III mean birth weight was 1.45±0.14, 1.24±0.13 and
1.27±0.18 kg respectively whereas in group IV it was l.62±0.24 kg. There was no
significant difference among the groups with respect to the birth weight of kids.
The percentage of preweaning mortality of kids in group I, Il, III and IV was
50.00, 44.44, 50.00 and 33.33 respectively. The causes of preweaning mortality
were pneumonia, enteritis and other etiological factors such as sudden death of
weak born kids.
Analysis of the results of present investigation indicated that
prostaglandin double dose combined with PMSG at low dose regimen of 200 IV
treatment can be used for enhancing the litter size without affecting the

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reproductive efficiency of nulliparous young does. For enhancing the litter size of
goat, though requires further detailed investigation, it appears to offer a clear
indication on the possibility of hormonally modulated for enhancement of litter
size among goats. This might find in potential commercial application in intensive
goat production system.