Veterinarska stanica, Vol. 56 No. 3, 2025.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.56.3.3
Sexual activity and climatic adaptation assessment of West African Dwarf goats introduced into Algeria
Hania Hannani
; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University of El-Tarf. 36,000, Algeria, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Pollution Research Laboratory. Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University of El-Tarf, 36,000, Algeria, Animal Production, Biotechnology and Health Research Laboratory, Institute of Agronomic and Veterinary Sciences, Mohamed Cherif Messaâdia University, Souk-Ahras, 41,000, Algeria
Meriem Haddad
; Biodiversity and Ecosystem Pollution Research Laboratory. Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University of El-Tarf, 36,000, Algeria
Amira Hannani
; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University of El-Tarf. 36,000, Algeria
Khouloud Dekkiche
; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University of El-Tarf. 36,000, Algeria
Zoubir Bouzebda
; Biodiversity and Ecosystem Pollution Research Laboratory. Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University of El-Tarf, 36,000, Algeria;
Farida Bouzebda-Afri
; Biodiversity and Ecosystem Pollution Research Laboratory. Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University of El-Tarf, 36,000, Algeria
Nora Mimoune
; Animal Health and Production Laboratory, Higher National Veterinary School, Algiers, Algeria
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This study aimed to highlight the effects of variations in age, seasons and climatic conditions on the reproductive activity of West African Dwarf Goats imported from tropical zones in Algeria, and to verify the degree of their adaptation to Mediterranean climatic conditions. For this purpose, testicular biometry and hormonal analysis (testosterone and LH levels) using the radioimmunological method were carried out monthly. In total, seven goats aged between 18 to 48+ months were surveyed during the period from September 2021 to March 2022. The results showed a considerable effect of age on testicular measurements. Bucks less than 18 months recorded the lowest average testicular length, width, thickness and volume, scrotal width and circumference, as levels of testosterone concentrations. All variables were strong correlated. Seasonal variations in the average testicular measurements and hormonal concentrations were observed, without affecting testicular activity. Apart from the
negative action of ambient temperature, no effects of relative humidity or atmospheric pressure were revealed. West African Dwarf Goats showed a good capacity to adapt to Mediterranean climatic conditions through their continuous testicular activity during the year.
Keywords
Sexual activity; Testicular biometry; Hormones; Reproduction; West African Dwarf Goats
Hrčak ID:
320046
URI
Publication date:
3.11.2024.
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