Serum Progesterone Levels and Reproductive Performance of Boer-Crossbred Does in Ekiti State, South West Nigeria

Progesterone is the pivotal hormone sustaining pregnancy in goats, and its measurement provides objective evidence of luteal function and reproductive cyclicity. This study evaluated serum progesterone levels and their relationship with reproductive performance parameters in Boer-crossbred does managed under intensive husbandry in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, South West Nigeria. Fifty female does were monitored over two successive reproductive cycles. Blood samples were collected every five days throughout the oestrous cycle, at mating confirmation, and biweekly during pregnancy for serum progesterone quantification by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reproductive performance data including conception rate, litter size, kidding interval, and neonatal birth weight were recorded. Mean peak luteal progesterone was 8.3 ng/mL in does that conceived and 4.1 ng/mL in those that failed to maintain pregnancy, a statistically significant difference. Serum progesterone below 3 ng/mL at day sixteen post-mating was associated with a 76% probability of return to oestrus. Litter size correlated positively with peak progesterone values. Progesterone profiles across successful and unsuccessful cycles were distinct from the fifteenth day of gestation. These findings affirm the clinical utility of serum progesterone monitoring for reproductive management decision-making in Boer-crossbred goat flocks in South West Nigeria. Keywords: progesterone, reproductive performance, Boer-crossbred, goats, Ekiti State.