Effect of Supplementation with Dehydrated Cucumis melo and Copper on Reproductive Performance of Goats on Rangeland

Abstract

Background: Microelements are essential for the reproduction of goats; short-term energy supplementation also improves the estrus and ovulatory response to estrus synchronization. The influence of supplementation of cantaloupe leftover and/or copper sulphate on the reproductive response of anovulatory adult goats on rangeland was evaluated. Methods: Sixty-seven mixed-breed adult goats were divided into four experimental groups: Control (C, n=16), without cantaloupe or Cu supplementation; Copper group (Cu, n=17), supplemented with 1 mL of copper sulphate at 2.5%; Cantaloupe group (Ca, n=17), supplemented with 200 g of Cucumis melo and Cu and cantaloupe group (Ca-Cu, n=17), supplemented with 1 mL of copper sulphate+200 g of Cucumis melo. Estrus of goats was synchronized and fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was applied. Result: There was an increase in ovulation rate for the Ca-Cu goats when compared to C (1.93 vs 1.46, respectively). Also, embryo losses decreased for Ca-Cu goats compared to C, Cu and Ca (13 vs. 42.33%, p less than 0.05). It was concluded that the combined supplementation of cantaloupe leftovers and Cu could be an alternative to increase the ovulation rate and decrease embryo losses, a frequent reproductive problem in goats on rangeland.