Effects of reciprocal mating for horn presence, moon phase and natural light-dark cycle on reproductive and growth traits in Saanen goats

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of mating type, lunar cycle, natural light-dark cycle, and environmental factors on reproductive performance and growth traits of semi-intensively reared Saanen goats. Data were obtained by mating horned bucks with polled does, and polled bucks with horned does during the two-year study period. Mating type and twin birth rate were significant at conception, whereas only mating type rate was significant at parturition (P<0.05). Birth frequency was highest around the new moon and lowest around the first quarter of the lunar phase, with most births occurring during daylight hours. Mating type, lunar phase, year, parity, and birth type were found to have a significant effect on gestation length in goats (P<0.05). For offspring ratios at birth, the effect of lunar cycle and time of birth on birth type was significant (P<0.05). There were also significant differences between mating type and lunar cycle (P<0.05). Gestational age, birth weight, weaning weight, average daily gain, and Kleiber ratio (KR) were significantly affected by parental mating type, lunar phase, time of birth, maternal parity, birth type, and offspring sex (P<0.05). The study showed that mating type, lunar cycle, and natural light-dark cycle significantly affected the productivity of Saanen goats. In addition, this study reports evidence that the lunar cycle is an external timer for the synchronization of mating and parturition.