Abstract

Seasonal anestrus in goats poses a significant challenge to year-round reproductive efficiency. Natural alternatives, such as licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) extract, have shown promise in enhancing fertility during periods of reproductive inactivity. The aimed of this study of impact of licorice extract on reproductive performance in goats during anestrus season. This study involved 40 goats during the anestrus season between February to July 2025. The average weights of goats were 30±5 kg and aged 3 to 4 years. The goats were divided randomly into two groups each one contain twenty doe, all goats synchronization by vaginal sponges (60mg MAP) for 14 days. The first group received 400mg water solution of licorice Kg/B.W. in week for two weeks before 48 hrs of sponge removal, while the second group treated with sponges only. The results of this study were fifteen goats in the first group (400mg licorice extract) showed signs of estrus. The results of this study were occurrence of estrus 75%, duration of estrus 35±3.23hour, pregnancy rate 75%, number of offspring 2.1% and conception length 152±2.87 days were higher significant (p≤0.05) in treated group comparative with control animals. The estrogen levels were significant (P≤0.05) in treatment group comparative with control animals. The Progesterone levels were significantly (p≤0.05) during all months in treatment group comparative with goats of control. The ultrasonography results for pregnancy diagnosis were (86.6% and 100%) significantly (p≤0.05) in treatment group by licorice in (30 and 60 days) comparative with control group. The conclusion of present study were used of Licorice extract (400 mg) in local Iraqi goats during out of breeding season were a higher rate of reproductive performance (occurrence of estrus, pregnancy rate, number of offspring) and higher significantly of rate fertility. The transabdominal transducer at B mode in the (30-60 days) of pregnancy goats as accurate for early fetal determine.

Key words: Anestrus, Estrogen, Herbal medicine, Iraqi Goat, Licorice, Progesterone, Pregnancy, Ultrasound