Follicular dynamics in antioxidants supplemented heat stressed goats

Abstract

The aim of the study was to know the effect of antioxidants supplementation on reproductive status in heat stressed goats. Goats of similar age groups were divided into 5 groups of 5 goats in each group i.e. control, heat stress and treatment groups 1,2 and 3 with antioxidant supplementation. Except control, all groups were exposed to a temperature of40±1degree Celcius with a relative humidity of 30% for 5 h/day for one estrus cycle in psychrometric chamber. Rectal temperature and respiratory rates were recorded daily post exposure. Follicular dynamics was studied through real time B-mode transrectal ultrasonography at every third day for 2 consecutive cycles. Blood samples were collected on the same day of ultrasonography for estimation of plasma estrogen and progesterone levels. Mean estrous cycle length and variation in the population of small, medium and large follicles did not differ significantly among the groups either in exposure or post exposure cycle. There was significant difference in diameter of CL, progesterone and oestradiol levels between control and heat stress and also between control and treatment groups during both exposure and post-exposure cycle. Among the treatment groups the CL diameter, progesterone and oestradiol levels were higher in treatment groups 1 and 3 as compared to treatment group 2.