Effect of buck existence on some reproductive hormone levels during premating in Akkeci goats

In this study, the effect of buck presence on serum progesterone, estrogen and FSH levels during the premating in 20 female Akkeci goats was investigated. The goats were assigned to two groups as follows: control group (n = 10) and treatment group (n = 10). At the beginning of study, first blood samples (day 0) were taken from each goat kept isolated away from bucks at mating season. At day 13, female goats in treatment group were placed in a pen next to, that of bucks in order to provide buck effect. Second blood samples were taken from each does after two days following buck presence for treatment group. Seven days later, treatment and control groups were combined in the same pen, then one buck was introduced to herd in order to provide natural mating. Third blood sampling was performed after 2 days following group merging, last blood samples (4th) were taken from each goats on the 42th day. According to the result of statistical analysis, the effect of buck existence on the concentrations of progesterone, estrogen and FSH was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, buck existence did not affect observed hormone levels in Akkeci goats during premating period.