Comparative pregnancy diagnosis of digital rectal palpation technique, ultrasonography, progesterone assay and non-return-to-heat in Red Sokoto goat

Comparative pregnancy diagnosis was carried out to evaluation the effectiveness of digital rectal palpation technique in Red Sokoto goat, at Small Ruminant Research Program of National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika, Zaria. Forty two does were randomly divided into groups A, B and C, (n = 14 each). Semen was collected from two Red Sokoto bucks using artificial vagina, processed and stored at 4˚C. Oestrus was synchronised with prostaglandin F2-alpha, and oestrus detected by apronised bucks and visual observation. Breeding was by artificial inseminating for groups A and B while group C bred by natural service. Comparative pregnancy diagnosis was carried out using ultrasonography (US) and digital rectal palpation technique (DRP) on day 14, 21, 28 and 126, while progesterone assay (P4) and non-return-to-heat (NRH) on day 21, post-breeding. Pregnancy rates on day 21 were 64.3 %, 92.9 % and 100 % (US); 42.9 %, 57.1 % and 57.1 % (DRP); 78.6 %, 78.6 % and 100 % (P4); 85.7 %, 78.6 % and 92.9 % (NRH). There was significant (P < 0.05) difference between US, DRP, P4 and NRH in groups B and C. It was concluded that DRP technique was effective in early pregnancy diagnosis (days 14, 21, and 28) in Red Sokoto goat does.