Evaluation of Eye, Udder, and Vulvar Surface Temperatures Combined with Serum Progesterone for Detecting Parturition Time in Goats

Abstract This study aimed to investigate changes in surface temperatures of the eye, udder, and vulvar region in goats, alongside serum progesterone levels, to determine whether these parameters may collectively indicate impending parturition. Fifteen clinically healthy Honamli goats were synchronized for estrus and artificially inseminated. Serum samples were collected every 24 hours from 96 hours before to 24 hours after parturition for progesterone analysis. Infrared thermographic images were obtained every 6 hours from 11 anatomical sites: right and left cornea, right and left medial canthus, right and left lacrimal sac, right and left lateral udder, right and left caudal udder, and the vulvar region. Among these, only the lateral udder and vulvar temperatures were significantly associated with progesterone concentrations. Serum progesterone declined significantly as parturition approached (p < 0.001), with values at 96 and 72 hours before parturition significantly higher than those at parturition and 24 hours postpartum. Lateral udder temperature showed a weak negative correlation with progesterone levels (rs = -0.274, p = 0.009), whereas vulvar temperature showed a weak positive correlation (rs = 0.311, p = 0.003). A significant temporal increase was observed only in lateral udder temperature (p = 0.026). No significant differences were found between animals delivering during the daytime and those delivering at night. In conclusion, combining surface temperature measurements from specific anatomical regions with serum progesterone levels may improve the accuracy of parturition prediction in goats. However, the relatively weak associations and regional variability indicate the need for further research before clinical implementation.