Abstract
Al-Hozab, A. and Basiouni, G. 1999. Onset of puberty in Hebsi and Zomri goats as monitored by plasma progesterone concentrations. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 15: 69-74.
Onset of puberty in Hebsi and Zomri goats, native to Saudi Arabia, was determined by monitoring plasma progesterone concentrations. Hebsi and Zomri goats reached puberty at 366±1.7 and 374±2 days of age, respectively, which differed significantly. Weights at puberty were similar at 21.8±0.8 and 21.5±0.9 kg for Hebsi and Zomri goats, respectively. Plasma progesterone concentration was below 0.5 ng/ml during the prepubertal period and reached more than 2 ng/ml at first estrus. The results of this study show that attainment of proper weight is more critical than age in determining time of sexual maturity in both Hebsi and Zomri goats.