Recent developments in assisted reproduction in goats

Abstract

Goats are amongst the most fertile of the domestic species. In the temperate zones seasonality may constitute a limiting factor if intensive production systems are to be employed. When conducting highly organized breeding programmes or utilizing goats as bioreactors in the context of gene pharming, assisted reproduction plays an increasingly important role. This chapter constitutes an update of recent developments in the field of assisted reproduction, including collection and handling of gametes, in vitro fertilization, oestrus control, embryo transfer, conservation and manipulation of gametes and embryos, transgenesis and pregnancy detection. Recently in some of these fields remarkable progress has been made. None the less, imperfections are remaining and sustained efforts will be required to optimize existing and invent new technologies. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.