BIOTECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN GOAT REPRODUCTION

Goat selection and reproduction have resulted from using conventional methods of natural mating and artificial insemination. Genetic improve ments resulting from these are usually slow. Innovative developments i n biotechnology rapidly propagate superior genes, offering hope for mo deling and designing animals to fit market and environmental requireme nts. Use of Tris, citric acid, fructose, egg yolk, and glycerol extend er has enabled goat sperm to be stored successfully for several years before being used in cervical or laparoscopic insemination. Laparoscop ic recovery of goat embryos to reduce adhesions from repeat surgeries has great potential in improving embryo production for direct transfer or for future transfer after cryopreservation. Goat kids have been pr oduced, as a result of experiments to refine techniques of in vitro ma turation and fertilization of recovered oocytes, with successful cultu re and transfer of embryos. In vitro fertilization technology is also essential for cloning goat embryos and for gene transfer. Transgenic g oats have already been produced due to new genes being expressed from biologically active molecules altering the phenotype of the transferre d goat. The introduced gene is capable of transmission between generat ions. The goat's diversified commercial value and convenient size make it a benefactor to new technology for rapid genetic improvement as a supplement to conventional selection methods.