Animal Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 370-379 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 373 3.4 Use of artificial insemination in seasonal breeding Artificial insemination (AI) is a critical component of modern goat breeding programs, allowing for the dissemination of superior genetic material and improving reproductive efficiency. AI, when combined with estrus synchronization protocols, facilitates out-of-season breeding and the grouping of kidding periods (Grizelj, 2022). The use of fresh or frozen semen in AI has been increasingly adopted, and advancements in fixed-time AI protocols have further enhanced its effectiveness (Bustamante-Andrade et al., 2021). Additionally, the integration of AI with other reproductive technologies, such as embryo transfer (ET), can significantly accelerate genetic progress and improve reproductive outcomes. 4 Environmental and Management Factors Affecting Reproduction Rates 4.1 Role of housing and climate control Housing and climate control play a crucial role in the reproductive efficiency of goats. The photoperiod, or the length of day and night, is a significant environmental factor influencing the reproductive cycles of goats. In subtropical regions, manipulating the photoperiod can stimulate sexual activity in bucks during the non-breeding season, which in turn can induce and synchronize estrous behavior in does through the 'male effect' (Delgadillo, 2011). Additionally, providing appropriate housing that protects goats from extreme weather conditions and ensures a stable environment can help maintain consistent reproductive performance throughout the year (Figure 1) (Khan et al., 2019; Grizelj, 2022). Figure 1 Interior and exterior of sheep house 4.2 Stress reduction and welfare practices Stress reduction and welfare practices are essential for improving reproductive rates in goats. Stress can negatively impact the reproductive hormones and overall health of goats, leading to reduced fertility and prolificacy. Implementing welfare practices such as proper nutrition, adequate space, and minimizing handling stress can enhance reproductive outcomes. Nutritional supplementation, for instance, has been shown to improve the sexual response of bucks and their ability to stimulate reproduction in does, especially under semi-extensive management systems (Delgadillo et al., 2020). Ensuring that goats are well-nourished and free from stress can lead to higher pregnancy rates and better reproductive performance (Simões et al., 2021). 4.3 Disease management and vaccination strategies Effective disease management and vaccination strategies are critical for maintaining the health and reproductive efficiency of goat herds. Health management aims to control or eradicate economic and zoonotic diseases, ensuring animal health and welfare, food safety, and low environmental impacts. Vaccination programs and regular health check-ups can prevent the spread of infectious diseases that may impair reproductive performance. Additionally, the use of exogenous hormones, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), has been shown to enhance luteogenesis and embryo implantation in goats, thereby improving reproductive outcomes during the
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