Cross Sectional Study of Small East African Goat Ovarian Morphology During Wet and Dry Seasons

Abstract

Reproductive cycle of Small East African (SEA) goats in the tropics is characterized by a reduced fertility rate during the dry season. The reduced fertility rate has a negative impact on livestock sector development and the livelihood of rural communities. The current study was conducted to evaluate ovarian morphometric parameters and follicular atresia during dry and wet seasons. A total of 90 apparently healthy adult goats from Morogoro region in Tanzania brought for slaughter at Morogoro Municipal slaughterhouse were randomly selected for the study. Following the slaughter both left and right ovaries were collected for gross and histomorphological analysis. The results of morphometric analysis found that, length of right ovary was significantly higher than that of the left (p<0.05). Histological analysis revealed a significant increase in the number of atretic follicles during the dry season when compared to the wet season (p<0.05). These findings indicate that the reduced fertility rate in the SEA goat during the dry season could be contributed by an increased rate of follicular atresia.