Author(s): NASCIMENTO, T. V. C.; MIRANDA, M. de S.; BARROS, C. H. S. C.; SOUZA, T. T. dos S.; LOPES JÚNIOR, E. S.; VOLTOLINI, T. V.; MORAES, S. A. de; NOGUEIRA, D. M.; CORDEIRO, M. F.

Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the return of post partum ovarian activity in dairy goats supplemented with different levels of energy during the dry period in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco. Twenty-four animals were allocated into four treatments of six animals each: Control, consisting of goats that had access to pasture and only received 4 kg of fresh palm, and three groups with isoproteic supplementation (20% Crude Protein), ranging in TDN content of 65%, 75% and 85%. The daily milk yield showed a linear growth behavior (P <0.05) since day 35th postpartum, when the animals recovered the weight gain and body condition score after 14 and 21 days postpartum, respectively, with slight weight gain in 75% and 85% treatments. Among the reproductive parameters, uterine involution and return to estrus activity showed a decrease in the number of days associated with the higher energy levels (P <0.05). The emergence of the 1st follicles ? 2 mm occurred around 33 days postpartum and the maximum diameter of the pre-ovulatory follicle was 5,41mm. These results were not influenced by treatments (P> 0.05). We concluded that the supplementation with different levels of energy promoted a positive effect, as increased productive parameters and reduced the number of days for the reestablishment of the reproductive parameters postpartum; for instance, uterine involution, return to estrus and consequently return of ovarian activity postpartum.

Publication year: 2014

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Semi-arid Region

Keywords: Animal production, Caprinos, Estro, Involução uterina, Produção animal, Pós-Parto