Tiken M. D., Sarıbay M. K., Uyanık G.
Erciyes Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi, cilt.22, sa.3, ss.213-222, 2025 (TRDizin)
Özet
This study investigated the effects of supplementation with vitamins A, D3, E, and selenium (Se) on fertility parameters in Kilis goats during the breeding season, in addition to a synchronization protocol.
A total of 70 Kilis goats were randomly divided into vit-min (n = 35) and control (n = 35) groups. All goats received a vaginal sponge containing 20 mg of flugestone acetate for 9 days. On the day the sponge was inserted, the vit-min group received intramuscular injections of 200,000 IU of vitamin A, 30,000 IU of vitamin D3, 20 mg of vitamin E, 1 mg of sodium selenate, and an additional 60 mg of vitamin E, while the control group received no supplements. On the day the sponges were removed, both groups received 500 IU of eCG and 250 µg of cloprostenol, and the vit-min group also received a second injection containing vitamins A, D3, and E. Estrus monitoring was performed by introducing bucks to the flock twice daily, 24-72 hours after the removal of sponges. Pregnancy diagnosis was made by transabdominal ultrasonography on the 50th day after mating, and litter size was determined at kidding. Estrus rates were found to be 100% in both groups (P>0.05). Although the pregnancy rate was numerically higher in the vit-min group (68.57%) compared to the control group (48.57%), there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). Similarly, although litter size was higher in the vit-min group, it was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In contrast, the fecundity rate was significantly higher in the vit-min group (154.28%) compared to the control group (91.42%) (P0.05). In conclusion, adding vitamin-mineral supplementation to the synchronization protocol improved reproductive performance in lactating Kilis goats by increasing fecundity. This approach is considered applicable and potentially economically advantageous in pasture-based systems. However, comprehensive studies with larger sample sizes are needed to more clearly demonstrate its effectiveness.