Synchronization of ovulation in goats using prostaglandin F2α based protocols during the breeding season

The main aim of this review was to describe the feasibility of prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α)based protocols used as a tool for ovulation synchronization in cycling goats.There is a reproductive seasonality in small ruminants.However,from latitudes 45°towards equator,the intensity of anoestrus progressively decreases and tends to disappear in local breeds.Consequently,PGF2α or their synthetic analogues as luteolytic substances can assume a great importance in reproductive management of flocks from these regions.However,a single or double(9–11 days apart)PGF2α administration provokes a good induction but a moderate synchronization of ovulations if timed artificial insemination is considered,and a significant short oestrous cycle can occur with detrimental effects on fertility rate when compared with conventional progesterone-based protocols.In order to minimize this constraint,some gonadotropinreleasing hormone-PGF2α-gonadotropin-releasing hormone(Ovsynch)-based protocols and their modifications,manipulating the dominant follicles and corpora lutea,were successfully tested in goats.Similar to cows,these PGF2αbased protocols seem to be a promising and more cost-effective tool for reproductive management in cycling goats.