Body condition is associated with a shorter breeding season and reduced ovulation rate in subtropical goats

To determine the effect of body condition on the characteristics of the breeding season in female goats from subtropical Mexico, does in either greater- or lesser-body condition (n = 20/group) were monitored for the expression of estrous behavior, ovulation and ovulation rate between June and April. The commencement of estrus and ovulation occurred earlier (P < 0.05) in does in greater than lesser body condition. The cessation of estrus and ovulation was later (P < 0.05) in female goats with greater than those with lesser body condition. Does in greater body condition had more (P < 0.001) normal estrous cycles than those in lesser body condition. As consequence, does from the greater body condition group had fewer short (P < 0.001) or long (P < 0.05) estrous cycles than those of in the lesser body condition group. The ovulation rate was greater (P < 0.01) in the greater (1.9 ± 0.1) than lesser body condition does (1.6 ± 0.1). In conclusion, female goats in lesser body condition have a shorter breeding season, more abnormal estrous cycles, and fewer ovulations than does in greater body condition.