Observations on hand-mating behaviors, several physiological and hematological parameters in Turkish dairy goats.

ABSTRACT

The aims of this study were to examine hand-mating behavior of doe and buck and relationships of courtship behavior and physiological and hematological traits according to gestation results. Duration from beginning of observation until mating (M-C), duration between two copulations (C-C) and courtship behavioral index value of each sex (CBIVD; courtship behavioral index value of doe, CBIVB; courtship behavioral index value of buck) and mounting behavior of buck, were observed. Experience of doe was affected of CBIVD and CBIVB (P=0.01 and P=0.01, respectively). Bucks mounted significantly higher times on experienced does than on inexperienced ones (P=0.00). On the other hand service number decreased with an increase in M-C (P=0.00). Elevated service number was observed with increased mounting frequency of buck (P=0.03). There were strong correlations between CBIVD and CBIVB (r=0.48, P=0.00). Pregnancy was not influenced by vaginal pH value. Does, which gave multiple births, had higher vaginal pH (P=0.05). Rectal temperature difference of doe had no influence on success of mating and birth type. On the other hand, birth type was affected by rectal temperature difference of buck. There was no significant difference of hematological parameters according to mating results. Hemoglobin, red blood cell count and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration values were higher in single births and mean cell volume value was lower in single births.