Do serum biochemistry parameters affect the embryo yield in goats?

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of serum biochemistry parameters on superovulation response, embryo yield and quality on the onset of synchronization and superovulation protocols in goats. Twelve Angora Goats aged 3–5 years, who gave birth at least once and did not have any reproductive problems were used in the study. For synchronization, progesterone source was placed intravaginally for 11 days (Day 0) and FSH was administered at 12-hour intervals in 6 decreasing doses starting from the 9th day. On the 11th day, the progesterone source was removed from the vagina, and 24 h later, the donors were mated with bucks of known fertility. Embryos were collected surgically 156 h following mating. To evaluate serum biochemistry parameters and progesterone concentrations in the study, blood samples were taken on the days of inserting the progesterone source (day 0) and uterine flushing (day 19). A positive correlation was determined between total protein, glucose and progesterone level on the day the progesterone source was inserted (P < 0.05). However, a negative correlation was found between zinc and progesterone level on the day of uterine flushing (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was determined between the triglyceride, total protein, glucose and potassium levels on the day of inserting the progesterone source and the number of transferable embryos (P < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between the blood urea level and the number of Code I embryos (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between calcium level and total CL and total cell number, and a negative correlation between the number of degenerated embryos (P < 0.05). However, a negative correlation was found between triglyceride and oocyte count (P < 0.05). In addition, a positive correlation was found between potassium and the number of Code I embryos (P < 0.05). As a result, it was concluded that there may be a relationship between some serum biochemistry parameters (total protein, glucose, triglyceride, potassium, calcium, urea) and embryo yield and quality on the onset of synchronization and superovulation protocols in goats. In addition, it is thought that it would be useful to evaluate the serum biochemistry parameters of donors before starting the synchronization and superovulation protocols as an additional clinical parameter to select animals that can respond better to superovulation treatments.