Adaptation and reproductive performances of exotic saanen breed introduced in Lebanon

Abstract

Introducing exotic goat breeds in the Eastern Mediterranean region aims to improve milk and meat production. The objectives of this study were to determine the capacity of adaptation and the reproductive performances of high yielding goat breeds under the prevailing conditions of Lebanon. Eighty primiparous 7 months old Saanen goats were imported from Europe, kept under an intensive management at a 900 m altitude, and fed wheat straw with a commercial concentrate. Adaptation parameters (respiration rate, pulse rate and body temperature) were measured upon arrival at day 1 (D1) and D2, on a weekly basis during the first month and then on the D45 and D75. Reproductive performances (estrus cycle length, fertility, gestation length, and prolificacy) were also studied. Results showed that the mean values of respiration and pulse rates were high just after arrival (32.4±8.5 breaths/min and 88.5±14.8 beats/min, respectively) then decreased significantly (P<0.05) to reach 17.5±2.8 breaths/min and 64.0±6.9 beats/min at D45, respectively and 17.8±1.9 breaths/ min and 64.1±1.9 beats/min at D75, respectively. Body temperature (38.9±0.3 °C) was not affected by transportation. These finding indicate the capacity of adaptation of the newly introduced goats to the stressful conditions of management and climate of Lebanon. Estrus cycle length was 21.42±4.9 days and fertility at first mating was 76.4%, reaching 93.5% at the end of the reproductive season. Gestation length (152.49±3.6 d) and prolificacy 1.45±0.5 kids/doe, were not affected by the adaptation trial. Saanen goats introduced and raised under Lebanese conditions could increase goat farming profit if good management practices were provided.