Comparative evaluation of exogenous insulin administration with Co-synch protocol on fertility response in goats reared under semi-intensive system

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to compare the fertility response of goats subjected to Co-synch protocol with and without exogenous insulin supplementation under semi-intensive management. Twelve apparently healthy, cyclic, non-pregnant does were randomly divided into two groups: Group I (Insulin + Co-synch) and Group II (Co-synch alone), with six animals in each group. Estrus induction rate was 100 percent in both groups. The mean onset and duration of estrus were comparable, though insulin-treated does exhibited relatively stronger estrus expression. Conception rate was identical in both groups (83.33%), with no pregnancy wastage recorded. Gestation length and kidding rate (100%) were not affected by insulin supplementation. Litter size was higher in Group I (1.33) compared to Group II (1.00). The study indicated that insulin supplementation along with Co-synch protocol resulted in improved litter traits without significantly altering conception rate in semi-intensive systems.