The overall purpose of this study was to describe a method of semen collection via trans-rectal digital massage (TDM) and to carry out a related fertility trial in Angora goat. Sixteen Angora bucks (ranging 1-4 years) and 28 nulliparous does (1-2 years) were used in this study. Semen samples were collected via trans-rectal massage from 85.71% of the bucks in multiple attempts (18/21). The mean values of volume, pH, mass motility, total motility, concentration, viability, abnormal spermatozoa rate and ejaculation time were 0.64 ± 0.09 ml, 6.3 ± 0.21, 2.7 ± 0.34, 58.18 ± 5.1%, 3.68 ± 0.31 × 109 /ml, 71.38 ± 7.12%, 18.22 ± 2.48% and 3.4 ± 0.33 min respectively. Oestrus was detected with teaser buck and confirmed by using infrared thermography and ultrasonography (US). The success rate of synchronisation was found as 71.4% (20/28). On Day 21, pregnancy diagnosis was performed trans-rectally with US and the pregnancy rate was determined as 78.57% (11/14). TDM method of semen collection seems to be easily applicable to the buck and it could be a good alternative to collect semen as well as its use in artificial insemination campaign. Thermal monitoring is found to be a valuable tool to monitor the response to hormonal driven ovulatory synchronisation in Angora does during timed artificial insemination.
Keywords: ampulla massage; angora goat; fertility; infrared thermography; semen; trans-rectal massage.
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