Exfoliative vaginal cytology of Saanen goat (Capra hircus) during estrus cycle

The exfoliative cytology of the vaginal was evaluated in Saanen goat during the estrus cycle by vaginal smear method. Its a simple technique to determine of estrus cycle stages and a useful tool to determine or identify the estrus phase. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of exfoliative vaginal cell during the stages of estrus cycle using vaginal smear techniques in Saanen goat. Twenty Saanen goat with weigh 45-55 kg, 3-4 years and had a period of estrus 19-22 days in dry period were observed. All goats were in natural estrus cycle without synchronization. A vaginal smear and vaginal pH were collected from swabbed vaginal epithelium. The result showed the proportion of vaginal cell was significantly different in each phase of estrus cycle. The proportion of superficial cell was dominated in estrus phase. Also, the highest pH values were significantly higher in estrus phase rather than in the other phases. In conclusion, the dominant proportion of superficial cell and a high vaginal pH value which occurred in follicular phase might be used as a marker to determine the optimal time for goat insemination.