A simple mathematical model of the progesterone curve during the estrous cycle in Canindé goats (Capra hircus)

Mathematical modeling of the estrous cycle could help in understanding the dynamics of this complex biological system. Thus, this study aimed to use a mathematical model that accounts for the variations of progesterone during the estrous cycle in Canindé goats. Five adult (3-6 years old) and six young (1-2 years old) healthy and cyclic goats were used. The females were submitted to a hormonal estrus synchronization treatment and blood samples were collected for progesterone dosage from the day of synchronized estrus until the next natural estrus. Peripheral plasma progesterone levels were compared between age groups. The progesterone curves were fitted to mathematical models for both luteal and luteolytic phase. In conclusion, the proposed model, which is simple, makes it possible to characterize the evolution of the progesterone level during the estrous cycle of Canindé goats by few parameters. It is then possible to use these parameters to analyze other effects.