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Comparative oestrus synchronisation was carried out in 52 Red Sokoto does with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness and tightness of synchrony of prostaglandin F 2alpha (PGF 2α) and progesterone pessaries for clinical application. Does were randomly divided into PGF 2α treated (n = 18), progesterone pessaries treated (n = 18) and control (n = 16) groups. A double injection protocol of PGF 2α, 12-days apart, and progesterone pessaries inserted for 12-days were used to synchronise oestrus, with no treatment to the Control group. Six sexually active bucks were used as heat detectors. Intensive and non-intensive oestrus detections were employed using visual observation and apronisation. Standing to be mounted was used as the main sign of oestrus. Oestrus response rate was 88.9 %, 33.3 % and 37.5 % for PGF 2α, progesterone pessaries and Control groups respectively. Tightness of oestrus synchrony for PGF 2α was within four days, while that of progesterone pessaries was within three days. Progesterone pessaries retention rate was 94.4 %. It was concluded that PGF 2α double injection, 12-days apart, synchronised oestrus in Red Sokoto doe was more effective with a tighter synchrony and recommended for clinical use than progesterone pessaries inserted for 12-days.

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Crossbreeding of desert goat does with the temperate Saanen x Toggenburg buck was found to result in a significant increase in the daily live-weight gain and the empty body weight of their progeny slaughtered at about 30 kg live weight when compared with purebred desert goat kids (P < 0-001). Food intake did not differ between the two types of kids, but live-weight food conversion efficiency was significantly superior in crossbred kids (P < 0-05).Carcass weight and killing-out proportion tended to be greater in the crossbred kids reflecting lower weights of head, skin, internal organs and gut fill. Breed types did not differ in the weights of individual wholesale cuts. Carcass dissection revealed significantly higher muscle proportion (P < 0-05), significantly lower fat proportion (P < 0-01) and higher muscle : bone ratio in the crossbred kids.