Impacto da condição corporal sobre parâmetros reprodutivos de cabras leiteiras.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of body condition on reproductive parameters of dairy goats. The experiment was carried out at the Center of Agricultural Sciences of the Federal University of Paraíba, with thirty-two crossbred females Saanen and Alpina Americana with an average body weight of 49.5 kg in a completely randomized design, and maintained in a semi-intensive system with supplementation in the trough. The females were divided into four treatments according to the calving order and Body Condition Score (BCS), in Nulliparous (mean BCS of 1.50), Pluriparous (mean BCS of 1.50), Pluriparous (mean BCS average of 2.25) and Pluriparous (mean BCS of 3.00). The reproductive and productive parameters of the females were evaluated from the breeding season to the weaning of the young. There was a difference between the pluriparous (mean BCS of 1.50; 2.25 and 3.00) for the postpartum BCS, however nulliparous (mean BCS of 1.50) did not differ from pluriparous (mean BCS of 1.50). There were no differences between the treatments evaluated for weight gain and BCS during pregnancy, as well as for weight loss and BCS in the postpartum period. In all treatments, the fertility rate was 100%. The goats from nulliparous treatments (mean BCS of 1.5) and pluriparous (mean BCS of 3.00) did not show estrus repetition, however for nulliparous treatment, fertility was lower (87%) in relation to other treatments (100%). The rate of double births decreased among pluriparous as the BCS increased, with values of 87.5; 75.0 and 50.0% for the average BCS of 1.5; 2.25 and 3.00, respectively. There was no difference between the treatments studied for the average weight of calved and weaned goats. Thus, when supplementation concentrated in advance of the breeding season is practiced, and food management compatible with the nutritional demands of the animals during pregnancy is maintained, the body condition at the beginning of the breeding season does not affect the reproduction of dairy goats.