Kirkuk Journal of Science

Kirkuk Journal of Science

Effect of Seasonal Change on Reproductive Physiology of Capra ibex in the Central Parts of Iraqi

Authors
Abstract
The current study were carried on 7 females and two males of Capra ibex , age 2.5 – 4 years respectively . All animals were put under normal environmental conditions for the whole study period: Results showed that the beginning of the reproductive season in female ibex were started from the middle of October , while the females were out of heat until the middle of November , which were considered as the beginning of females breeding season which continued until the 19th February , the end of their breeding season , when sexual behaviour and activities of males and females were ceased up to the 15th of March . Estrous cycle length were 22.67 + 0.60 days , the longest were noted during November , while the shortest were during February . No significant differences were recorded through out the study period. December represented the climax of the reproductive season with (10) cycles and 100% estrus signs as compared to the other months of the study. The period of proestrus , estrus and diestrus stayes were 1.37 + 0.19 , 1.67 + 0.16 and 19.60 + 0.60 days respectively , no significant differences were recorded for the whole period of the study . the value activity of serum progesterone concentration were an important tool in reflecting the ovarian function in female , which were at its lowest level 0.41 + 0.00 ng/ml during the 3rd day of heat , while its highest level 7.21 + 0.60 ng/ml were recorded during the 13th day of luteal stage , the most significant increases in progesteron concentration (P < 0.05) 4.44 + 0.43 ng / ml were recorded during luteal phase as compared to proestrus and estrus phase.
It may be concluded that , femal capra ibex are seasonal breeders , and their breeding season exteneds from the middle of October until the middle of February, while December represented the climax of the reproductive season.

Volume 4, Issue 2
Autumn 2009
Page 68-84

  • Receive Date 01 December 2009
  • Revise Date 20 December 2009
  • Accept Date 25 December 2009